Achimenes ‘Ambroise Verschaffelt’ (Hot Water Plant)

Free-flowering, Achimenes ‘Ambroise Verschaffelt’ (Hot Water Plant) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial boasting splendid trumpet-shaped flowers from late spring to fall. Each white blossom is adorned with dark purplish veins radiating from a golden throat. They contrast nicely with the foliage of fuzzy, toothed leaves. Used primarily as flowering houseplants, Achimenes can also be used as flowering plants for mixed containers and in hanging baskets where they look spectacular cascading over the side of the basket. Fairly easy to grow, Achimenes will reward you with months of pleasure.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm) and 3-6 in. wide (7-15 cm).
• Requires a spot with bright light but not direct sunlight. Performs best in light, well-drained, humus-rich potting soil (an African Violet mix is ideal).
• Should be kept in cool room temperature: 60-70°F (10-21°C) at night; 70-75°F (21-24°C) during the day.
• Water as often as necessary to keep the potting mixture moist. Fertilize weekly during the growing season. Reduce watering when the flowers fade in fall.
• Achimenes is perennial in hardiness zones 10-11, but treated as an annual in cooler areas or as a houseplant.
• Usually disease free. Keep an eye out for aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and thrips.
• Propagate by division of rhizomes in spring or stem tip cuttings in spring (see softwood cuttings).
• The genus is native from Central and South America.