Achimenes

Achimenes are bulbous plants from the Gesneriaceae family originating from the West Indies, unique but frost-sensitive, which can be grown indoors or on the terrace in pots, as well as as an annual in the garden.

They bloom from June to October in a rich palette of solid or bicoloured colours ranging from white to violet, including shades of pink and red. With a flexible and rounded habit, the Achimenes form a beautiful semi-trailing clump, 30 to 50 cm (12 to 20in) tall, which looks wonderful in hanging baskets and wider pots. The oval and pointed leaves are toothed, more or less fine or wide, villous, and their colour is a beautiful bright green, more or less dark or veined with violet, depending on the varieties. The trumpet-shaped flowers, 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) wide, continuously form for months. 

Achimenes are perennial plants with rhizomes that remain dry during the winter and dormant period. Vegetation starts again in spring and dries up in October-November. Alternatively, the plant is grown as an annual and will need to be replaced every year. Plant the achimenes in humus-rich soil or good horticultural compost; it thrives in full sun or partial shade.