Streptocarpus ‘Harlequin Lace’ (Cape Primrose)
Cape Primrose 'Harlequin Lace'
Popular as a houseplant, Streptocarpus ‘Harlequin Lace’ (Cape Primrose) is a compact, evergreen perennial with small, velvety, wrinkled, strappy leaves and large magnificent flowers produced over several months. Borne on short upright stems, the delicate blossoms feature baby-blue upper lobes and violet-blue lace patterns over a yellow background on their lower three lobes. Use Cape Primrose as a flowering indoor plant or in containers on a shaded deck or patio.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 12-18 in. tall and wide (30-45 cm)
- Performs best in bright filtered light with shade from hot sun in fertile, moist, humus-rich well-drained soil. Water freely allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Feed fortnightly with a high-potassium fertilizer.
- Keep an eye out for glasshouse leafhoppers, mealybugs, thrips, vine weevil and tarsonemid mite. Overwatering may cause rotting at the base of the plant.
- Deadhead regularly and remove damaged leaves. Mature plants should be cut back after flowering. The plant will remain dormant for up to three months after pruning. Cut back on watering and do not fertilize during this period.
- Propagate by division of clumps or by leaf cuttings in spring or summer.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
10 - 11 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
10 - 12 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Gesneriaceae |
| Genus | Streptocarpus |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Average |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Full Shade |
| Garden Uses | Patio And Containers |
Alternative Plants to Consider
By Brian Maudsley, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
10 - 11 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
10 - 12 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Gesneriaceae |
| Genus | Streptocarpus |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Average |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Full Shade |
| Garden Uses | Patio And Containers |
