Kohleria hirsuta

Kohleria eriantha

Previously called Kohleria eriantha, this is a Colombian relative of the African violet, but it grows happily outdoors in the Sydney climate in a part or dappled shaded, sheltered spot. It is a perennial plant from South America, with very tactile, velvety leaves edged and veined beneath with orange, and long hanging trumpet-shaped orange flowers, which appear in late winter and/or early spring. It can grow 50-100 cm tall (although is usually around the 50 cm mark in our climate) and spreads by rhizomes to form a clump. The colour of the flowers has a neon quality which really glows in the shade and it is an apt partner for other blooms in this colour range at this time of year, such as Clivia miniata, Justicia floribunda and the many brightly coloured Chinese lanterns (Abutilon x hybridum), to form an exotic subtropical look in a lightly shady garden area. It is sometimes known colloquially as red trumpet. Avoid planting in very dense shade as this may cause the plant to become very leggy. The plant seems to be best if it has ample water, combined with good drainage. The plants can be cut back after flowering. Plantings can be seen in the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney. After a wet summer and autumn, it may reflower in autumn. It is frost sensitive, but if grown beneath trees, this may provide protection for it. It can be grown in a hanging basket or container - a potted specimen needs to be kept on the drier side in winter.