Hardy Gloxinia – Trumpet Flowers in the Garden

Warning: Risk of confusion! The hardy gloxinia is not related to the houseplant – but it's just as beautiful. It decorates the garden with colorful blooms until autumn.

A plant that requires little care in the garden yet develops large blooms—what more could you ask for? The hardy gloxinia impresses with its foliage and floral beauty, demanding very little from the gardener in return.

The family affiliation of the hardy gloxinia is evident from its flowers: trumpet-shaped, they stretch forward. This trumpet tree species originates from western China, where it grows in the wild on hillsides. The hardy gloxinia is also commonly known by its botanical name, Incarvillea delavayi, which shows that the similarity in names to the gloxinia is purely coincidental. Although it is also known as garden gloxinia or winter-hardy gloxinia, the hardy gloxinia is not related to the gloxinia typically kept as a houseplant (Sinningia speciosa). They belong to different genera and must be cultivated differently.

The hardy gloxinia grows as a perennial, reaching up to 60 centimeters in both height and width. Its dark green, feather-like leaves are serrated along the edges, resembling a fern. This feature has earned it the nickname "flowering fern." The striking flowers appear between June and July in white and deep pink, reaching a diameter of up to 8 centimeters, with a yellow throat. The flowers grow horizontally on strong, slightly curved stems. The plant’s storage roots are tuberous, resembling thick fingers, similar to those of the dahlia. Everything about this magnificent perennial is impressive!

Starting in May, the hardy gloxinia can be planted in nutrient-rich, well-draining, and moderately moist soil in a sunny to partially shaded location. It is advisable to pre-grow the plant in a sufficiently large pot. This can be done starting in March, ensuring the plant blooms early. This way, you can enjoy the exotic-looking flowers for as long as possible. To ensure healthy growth in a pot, place the plant in a warm location. After the frost period (Ice Saints), the plant can be moved to the garden. The rootstock should be planted at least 5 centimeters deep in the soil to prevent damage from frost. Cultivating in a container is also an option. Keep a planting distance of about 15 centimeters in pots and about 30 centimeters in the garden. Avoid pressing or damaging the tubers and storage roots when planting, and ensure proper drainage. After planting, water the hardy gloxinia generously. If the weather cooperates and it receives enough water, the plant will develop flowers within two months.