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Achimenes is often confused with:
Viola Viola spp.
Native alternative(s) for Achimenes:
Viola lanceolata Viola lanceolata
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Allium Alllium
Canna Flower
Impatiens walleriana Impatiens walleriana

Achimenes

Phonetic Spelling
ah-KIM-eh-neez
Description

This perennial tropical plant is typically grown as an indoor, container plant.  It can also be grown as an annual in non-tropical environments.  Its habit makes it suitable for hanging baskets.  Artificial lighting can be used when natural light is not available.  When planting, use a humus-rich soil such as African violet mix and choose a site that is in an area of bright but indirect lighting.   Avoid direct sunlight.  During periods of active growth, fertilize weekly.  This tropical bulb will not succeed in temperatures below 50 degrees.  Ideally, temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees are best. The optimum daytime temperature is in the mid-'70s.

Flowers bloom from summer into fall.  When the blooms cease to bloom in the latter part of the year, watering can be reduced.  Reduced watering will send the plants into a dormant state and tubers with some resemblance to small pinecones will begin to form.  These tubers, which form under the soil as well as along the stems, can be collected after the plant has lost its leaves, and saved for replanting.  Store in a dry atmosphere, such as in potting soil or vermiculite with temperatures between 50-70 degrees.  Plant at a depth of 1/2-1".  

Hardiness: Tender II - injured below 50 degrees F (10 degrees C)

Organ: Scaly rhizome

Depth: Cover 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Space: 6 in a 6-in. pot

Light: 25-50% Shade

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:  This plant has no serious problems.  Planting in heavy soils may lead to winter root rot.  If humidity is low, the foliage may brown and the flowers may drop.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Amie Saliba'
    Yellow flower.
  • 'Blue Sparks'
    Blue-toned flower.
  • 'George Houchw'
    Pink flower, dark green leaves.
  • 'Grape Wine'
    Purple flower.
  • 'Harry Williams'
    Purple flower.
  • 'Jewel Pink'
    Pale pink flower.
  • 'Judith'
    Red flower.
  • 'Longiflora Alba'
    Purple flower.
  • 'Pink cloud'
    Pale pink flower.
  • 'Prima Donna'
    Dark pink flower.
  • 'Snow Princess'
    White flower.
'Amie Saliba', 'Blue Sparks', 'George Houchw', 'Grape Wine', 'Harry Williams', 'Jewel Pink', 'Judith', 'Longiflora Alba', 'Pink cloud', 'Prima Donna', 'Snow Princess'
Tags:
#bulb#showy flowers#houseplant#white flowers#perennial bulbs#purple flowers#pink flowers#not hardy#red flowers#yellow flowers#blue flowers#orange flowers#tropical perennials#peach flowers#copper leaves#rhizomes#herbaceous perennial#summer bulbs#long bloom time#annual bulb#partial shade tolerant#fall bulb#container plant#annual
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Amie Saliba'
    Yellow flower.
  • 'Blue Sparks'
    Blue-toned flower.
  • 'George Houchw'
    Pink flower, dark green leaves.
  • 'Grape Wine'
    Purple flower.
  • 'Harry Williams'
    Purple flower.
  • 'Jewel Pink'
    Pale pink flower.
  • 'Judith'
    Red flower.
  • 'Longiflora Alba'
    Purple flower.
  • 'Pink cloud'
    Pale pink flower.
  • 'Prima Donna'
    Dark pink flower.
  • 'Snow Princess'
    White flower.
'Amie Saliba', 'Blue Sparks', 'George Houchw', 'Grape Wine', 'Harry Williams', 'Jewel Pink', 'Judith', 'Longiflora Alba', 'Pink cloud', 'Prima Donna', 'Snow Princess'
Tags:
#bulb#showy flowers#houseplant#white flowers#perennial bulbs#purple flowers#pink flowers#not hardy#red flowers#yellow flowers#blue flowers#orange flowers#tropical perennials#peach flowers#copper leaves#rhizomes#herbaceous perennial#summer bulbs#long bloom time#annual bulb#partial shade tolerant#fall bulb#container plant#annual
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Achimenes
    Family:
    Gesneriaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Bulb
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Central and South America
    Play Value:
    Easy to Grow
    Bulb Storage:
    Leave rhizomes in container, dry out planting medium, and place indoors at 60-70 degrees F (16-21 degrees C)
    Edibility:
    Not edible
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 3 in. - 0 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Houseplant
    Perennial
    Succulent
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Spreading
    Weeping
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil pH:
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Gold/Yellow
    Orange
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    White
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Funnel
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    The flowers appear in the leaf axils and are varied in color from blue, peach, pink, red, orange, white, purple, to yellow. They resemble pansies.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Velvety
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Description:
    Fuzzy, green-bronze foliage.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Form:
    Straight
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Small Space
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Specimen