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Painted tongues

Salpiglossis sinuata and cvs.

Long, narrow leaves grow in rosettes near the ground. Flower stems shoot upward to 2 feet with 3-inch-wide, petunia-like, purple, blue, or scarlet flowers marked with broad veins of gold. Cultivars include ‘Splash,’ ‘Bolero,’ and the more compact-growing ‘Casino’.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsThis plant has superior cold tolerance but becomes straggly in hot summers.

CareGrow in moist but well-drained, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil.

PropagationSow seed indoors in January, transplant outdoors in March. In mild areas, sow in situ in spring.

ProblemsAphids, gray mold (Botrytis), and foot and root rots

  • Genus : Salpiglossis
  • Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
  • Plant Width : 6 to 12 inches
  • Plant Type : Annuals
  • Uses : Containers
  • Moisture : Dry
  • Bloom Time : Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring, Summer
  • Light : Full Sun
  • Flower Color : Red
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest

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