Achimenes grandiflora

A rhizomatous species that grows in summer. More or less rounded, scaly rhizomes develop. Erect stems up to 45 cm tall develop from the rhizomes. Opposite, ovate leaves, toothed along the margins and slightly hairy, bronze-green in color, reddish on the underside. Flowers up to 4.5 cm long and 2 cm wide, blue-purple with a white basal spot and a reddish throat streaked with yellow. In the wild, it grows in moist rock crevices in the tropical forests of Mexico and Central America. Requires well-drained soil and a shaded location. Water abundantly during the growing season (May to November). In winter, the plant goes into a dormant period, losing the aerial parts that dry out and fall off, then re-growing in late spring. Repot approximately every two years, dividing the rhizomes. Not hardy. Rhizomes or potted plant.