Streptocarpus

Streptocarpus "Gwen," grown from a starter plant in July 2010.  6 May 2011.

Even though some of the natural flowers I have shown here are colourful, Streptocarpi outdo them in ostentation. These plants grew from tiny starters, rooted cuttings about three inches by one inch, which I got in July and August last year. They grow happily on a north-facing windowsill and add a bit of life to the kitchen.

They are cultivated hybrids of a plant which originated in South Africa. There are hundreds of varieties. Most are scent-free, but a few have a pleasant and subtle aroma.

In these photos, an exposure that is right for the lighter flowers has left the leaves looking a bit dull. They are not really like that. See the bottom photo, where the leaves look natural but you can't see any detail in the light flowers.

Streptocarpus "Margo," grown from a starter plant in August 2010.  6 May 2011.

Streptocarpus "Bristol's Goose Egg," grown from a starter plant in July 2010.  6 May 2011.
This is a scented variety.

A group of Streptocarpi being upstaged by Roxy the cat. 13 April 2011.