Gloxinia Mont Blanc

Gloxinia Mont Blanc lives up to its name, with its large velvety, pure white flowers. They cluster together on beautiful, equally velvety, very dark green foliage for much of the summer. This sumptuous and theatrical, tuberous perennial has a retro charm, is easy to grow and spectacular in the house, or on a windowsill, in partial shade and protected from direct sunlight.

Gloxinia speciosa, or Elegant Gloxinia, also known as Sinningia speciosa, belongs to the Gesneriad family and is native to Brazil. This tuberous and frost-tender perennial gave rise to numerous cultivars in the 19th century, which quickly became exceptional indoor plants. The cultivar Mont Blanc produces plants that do not exceed 30-35 cm (12-14in) in all directions. The flowers, resembling large velvety bells, appear in spring and throughout the summer, in the axils of the leaves. They can reach 8 cm (3in) in diameter and are borne on short peduncles, a perfect white with a slightly yellow throat. These flowers open up on a cluster of large ovate to oblong, dark green, fleshy, and velvety leaves with visible veins and serrated margins. These leaves dry out in autumn and then disappear with the arrival of cooler 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 indoor plants, but also sturdy and easy to keep during winter, in a dry environment and even indoors. Few plants can claim such a theatrical appearance, and it is sometimes difficult to associate them with other plants. They look fantastic showcased in planters and on windowsills, protected from direct sunlight. They are perfect for replacing geraniums where sunlight is lacking.