It was a real treat to see this plant in person in Chile on an adventure with Jane McGary. I had always found these intricately flowered annuals fascinating and for a while you could get the hybrids at most garden centers in a 6 pack tray. But for the last 5-10 years you hardly seem to see these “poor mans orchids” anymore.

They are a long blooming (and amazing cut flower with a vase life like nothing I have ever seen!) great for adding color in the rock garden. Somewhat like the Calceolaria they inhabit the same microclimates with, they don’t love hot and dry and appreciate cooler nights with some moisture in the soil where they will keep blooming and blooming until the dog days of summer set in.

Joleen was telling me they were grown as houseplants long ago! I’m bringing back a classic of yesteryear here!