Gloxinia Brocade Double Mixed seeds

The Elegant Gloxinia excels in this beautiful selection of Gloxinias Brocade Double Mixed F1 Hybrid, with double flowers in 5 solid or bicolour shades of violet, red, pink, violet/white, and red/white, on dwarf and compact plants. The large double bell-shaped flowers are nestled in a velvety, dark green foliage throughout the season. These sumptuous and dramatic perennials are spectacular indoors or on window sills, in partial shade.

Gloxinia speciosa, or Elegant Gloxinia, belongs to the gesneriad family and is native to Brazil. This tuberous and frost-tender perennial has given rise to numerous cultivars since the 19th century, that have quickly become exceptional indoor plants. The 'Brocade Double Mixed F1 Hybrid' mixture produces dwarf plants, not exceeding 20 cm (8in) in all directions. The flowers resemble large velvety bells appearing in spring and throughout summer, in the axils of the leaves. They can reach 8 cm (3in) in diameter and are borne on short peduncles, displaying intense solid colours or wide margins of white, depending on the individual plant. Crimson red, vibrant pink, violet, or mauve hues paint their open corollas around a speckled throat. From the base to the petal edges, each shade gradually lightens towards white, sometimes reduced to an imperceptible border. These flowers open against a cluster of broad, fleshy, and velvety dark green leaves. Their veins and margins are visible. The leaves are oval to oblong and they wither in autumn and disappear with the arrival of cool temperatures. Only the round and flattened tubers persist in the soil, which should be kept dry until the start of growth in spring.

Gloxinias are stunning plants, robust and easy to overwinter, even indoors. Few plants can boast such a theatrical appearance, and it is sometimes difficult, if not impossible, to combine them with other plants. They will look great in planters and on window sills, protected from direct sunlight. They are perfect for replacing geraniums in areas with limited sunlight.