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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
Dianthus caryophyllus Dianthus caryophyllus plants

Orchid Pansy Achimenes

Phonetic Spelling
ah-KIM-eh-neez
Description

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:
  • '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', 'Amie Saliba', 'Blue Sparks', 'George Houchw', 'Grape Wine', 'Harry Williams', 'Hilda Michelsen', '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 herbaceous perennial#peach flowers#copper leaves#rhizomes#herbaceous perennial#summer bulbs#long bloom time#annual bulb#partial shade tolerant#fall bulb#container plant#annual
 
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', 'Amie Saliba', 'Blue Sparks', 'George Houchw', 'Grape Wine', 'Harry Williams', 'Hilda Michelsen', '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 herbaceous perennial#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
    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:
    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
  • 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
    Border
    Specimen