Mother's Tears Achimenes
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- ah-KIM-eh-neez
- Description
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This is a Genus of about 25 species of tropical and sub-tropical herbs in the gesneriad family (Gesneriaceae) native to Mexico and South America with one species native to the West Indies. The Genus name may be derived from the Greek word cheimanos meaning tender or sensitive to cold.
Most species are grown in greenhouses and for bedding plants in topical locations. They can be grown as house plants if the proper lighting, temperature and humidity needs are met. Provide indirect light, high humidity, constant moisture and temperatures above 50 degrees. Use fertile well-drained slightly acidic soil such as African violet mix. During dormancy, keep the rhizomes dry until spring sprouting occurs.
The flowers vary in color per species and resemble petunias. They bloom from summer through fall. The leaves are generally a fuzzy green
Many hybrids are available that have been bred for larger flowers and better hardiness. Some can be grown outdoors in zones 7 and 8 as a bedding plant. Use in the border of a shady garden or en masse. Winter protection is needed.
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: No significant 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:
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- 'Ambroise Verschaffelt'
Award of Garden Merit - 'Amie Saliba'
Yellow flower. - 'Blue Sparks'
Blue-toned flower. - 'George Houchw'
Pink flower, dark green leaves. - 'Grape Wine'
Purple flower. - 'Harry Williams'
Purple flower. - 'Hilda Michelsen'
Award of Garden Merit - '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.
- 'Ambroise Verschaffelt'
- 'Ambroise Verschaffelt', 'Amie Saliba', 'Blue Sparks', 'George Houchw', 'Grape Wine', 'Harry Williams', 'Hilda Michelsen', 'Jewel Pink', 'Judith', 'Longiflora Alba', 'Pink cloud', 'Prima Donna', 'Snow Princess'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Ambroise Verschaffelt'
Award of Garden Merit - 'Amie Saliba'
Yellow flower. - 'Blue Sparks'
Blue-toned flower. - 'George Houchw'
Pink flower, dark green leaves. - 'Grape Wine'
Purple flower. - 'Harry Williams'
Purple flower. - 'Hilda Michelsen'
Award of Garden Merit - '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.
- 'Ambroise Verschaffelt'
- 'Ambroise Verschaffelt', 'Amie Saliba', 'Blue Sparks', 'George Houchw', 'Grape Wine', 'Harry Williams', 'Hilda Michelsen', 'Jewel Pink', 'Judith', 'Longiflora Alba', 'Pink cloud', 'Prima Donna', 'Snow Princess'
- Tags:
-
-
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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Bulb
- Houseplant
- Perennial
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Spreading
- Weeping
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- 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
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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.
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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.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Form:
- Straight
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Hanging Baskets
- Houseplants
- Patio
- Small Space
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Specimen