Buy cape primrose Streptocarpus 'Mabel': Delivery by Waitrose Garden

Streptocarpus 'Mabel'

cape primrose

cape primrose

Position: partial shade
Soil: fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil or fibre-based compost if grown indoors
Rate of growth: average
Flowering period: April to November
Hardiness: tender (will need to be over-wintered indoors, or in a shaded greenhouse)

Streptocarpus are much-loved for their ability to produce a succession of flowers over and incredibly long period - and 'Mabel' is no exception. That's because it's not unusual for the first flush of creamy violet flowers to appear as early as April - or for them to still be in flower in November. They're noted for putting on a great display, but they're also incredibly easy to grow, which makes them ideal for both the novice or more experienced gardener.
Home care: Throughout the growing season, keep them quite well watered, but as they are sensitive to overwatering, allow the compost to get a little dry in between; during this time they should also be fed with a high potash fertiliser. Remove spent flowers as they fade and trim back any old leaves that are past their best. Overwinter on a south or west-facing windowsill and water less often. Repot each spring into a slightly larger, shallow pot filled with fibre-based compost. They can also be used as summer bedding - grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade.