Gloxinia speciosa Etoile de Feu

Gloxinia speciosa 'Etoile de Feu' produces large, intense red-pink flowers finely edged with white-pink, shaded with dark purple around a white-speckled throat. They cluster on velvety, dark green foliage for a good part of summer. Sumptuous and theatrical, this tuberous perennial is easy to grow. It is spectacular in the house, or on a windowsill, in partial shade and protected from direct sunlight.

Gloxinia speciosa, also known as Sinningia speciosa, belongs to the Gesneriaceae family and is native to Brazil. Since the 19th century, this tuberous and frost-sensitive perennial plant has given rise to numerous cultivars that have become exceptional indoor plants. The cultivar 'Etoile de Feu' produces plants not exceeding 30cm (12in) in all directions. The flowers, resembling large velvety bells, appear around June and continue throughout summer, in the axils of the leaves. They can reach a diameter of 7cm (3in). They are carried by short peduncles and open on a bouquet of dark green, wide, fleshy, and velvety leaves. Their veins are visible and their margins are crenate. Oval to oblong in shape, they dry out 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 vegetation in spring.

Gloxinias are stunning indoor plants. They are sturdy and easy to overwinter in a dry environment. Few plants can claim such a theatrical appearance, and it is sometimes difficult, if not impossible, to place them with other plants. They are stunning in flower boxes and on windowsills, protected from direct sunlight. They are perfect for replacing geraniums where there is a lack of sunlight.