Half-hardy Perennial Climber

• Flowers in : Mid-Summer to Autumn
• Germination : Challenging
• Aftercare : Particular Care Required
• Ideal for : Conservatories, Greenhouses, Pot Plants

Description

Glorious, bell flowers 8cm (3in) long and 5cm (2in) wide on a twining vine. One of the most exciting cool greenhouse/conservatory plants. Hardy in mild winter regions and dislikes lime.

Sowing Instructions

Use an ericaceous (Lime free) compost and cover seeds with its own depth of compost. Sow immediately. Germination can take 1-3 months. Sometimes the seed will have started to germinate when we despatch it. Examine the seed and if there is any sign of shooting sow in 7.5cm (3in) pots of ericaceous compost, seal in a polythene bag and place in a temperature of 15-18C (60-65F). Remove the bag when well established. If there is no sign of shoots, soak the seed in lukewarm water, sow as described above, seal in a polythene bag and place in the fridge (not freezer).

Aftercare

Requires very little plant food, avoid fertilisers high in phosphates. Transplant carefully into 7.5cm (3in) pots of a similar potting compost, water carefully with lime free water until established. Don't pot up until they are well rooted in their pots. Pot finally into 20-25cm (8-10in) pots or preferably into the greenhouse border. Provide strings or wires to climb and give a minimum winter temperature of 7C (45F). Keep compost moist at all times, shade lightly in summer.