Posted by
needrain (Eastland county, Texas - Zone 8a) on Aug 29, 2014 2:00 PM concerning plant:
From the Gesneriaceae family, 'Inferno' is a hybrid between Achimenes and Smithiantha. Its growth is much the same as Achimenes. It grows from a scaly rhizome that resembles tiny pine cones and crumbles easily when handled. The foliage is dark green tinged maroon and quite stiff and upright. The plant usually grows to about twelve inches. Not significantly susceptible to insect damage, but needs consistent moisture during the growing season. It tolerates high heat, but prefers temps between 70-90F. The blooms have the form of an Achimenes bloom. They are a very showy fire-engine red with a yellow center, but they are late, coming toward the end of summer into early fall. Like its parents, it goes completely dormant at the end of the bloom season and only starts growing from the rhizomes in late spring. It can be stored in the container overwinter, but needs protection from freezing temperatures while in storage.