Rhodochiton atrosanguinea |
Native Region: Mexico
Zone Range: 8-10
Preferred Climate: Full/semi sun; well draining evenly moist relatively good soil. Warm sites.
Harvest Date: Wednesday 22 October, 2008
Seed count: 20-25
Description:
A showy vine with dark purple and pink flower trumpet shaped flowers are produced en masse. Fan shaped leaves. Can grow to the excess of 3 meters. Loved by hummingbirds.
Notes:
A tender perennial in northern climates. You can bring the plant into a greenhouse (or conservatory) for the winter or take cuttings to root if the plant is too 'large'. Often used in hanging baskets. Doesn't like flood nor drought conditions of inadequate waterings. First time growing this. Dug up plants and placed them in an unheated double glazed greenhouse. When replanted in the Spring and I hope to offer lots of seed in the Autumn!
Cultivation:
Use deep cell flats in February to early March for decent sized transplants in May. Use a good sterile medium you would use for vegetable transplants. Sow thinly on surface; barely cover as seed needs light to germinate. Mist well; keep moist and a clear plastic cover improves success (recommended). Germinates in 14-21 days at 24 C. Use supplemental light (16 hours) for good sturdy growth then remove 2 weeks before transplanting out after last frost. Too much nitrogen fertilizer will give weak leafy growth that's prone to aphids.
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