Achimenes

("Hot water plant / Widow’s tears / Orchid pansies / Nut orchids / Cupid's bow")

Achimenes

These odd looking little rhizomes produce masses of short trumpet-shaped bright colored flowers with shiny, velvety leaves.

What You Need To Know Before You Plant:

When Will This Flower Bloom?

Early Summer continuous into late Fall

When Should I Buy and Plant These Bulbs?

Spring

What Kind of Light Does This Bulb Prefer?

Partial sun to partial shade

What Color Will the Flower Be?

See 'popular varieties'

How Far Apart Should I Plant These Bulbs?

2 in / 5 cm

How Deep Should I Dig?

1 in / 2 cm

How Tall Will It Grow?

10-12 in / 25-30 cm

Recommended Number of Bulbs Per Square Foot?

15

Is It Deer/Critter Resistant?

With a bit of luck, yes.

How Can I Best Use It in My Landscaping?

Primary indoors (or sheltered outdoor locations) in containers and baskets. In the deep South they can be grown as edgings in semi-tropical beds and borders.

Other Popular Varieties

'Blue Sparks' (blue), 'Charm' (dark pink), 'Harry Williams' (purple-red), 'Peach Blossom' (light pink), 'Prima Donna' (orange-red) and 'Snowprincess' (white).

About the Family

Achimenes Family

Native to Mexico and Central America. The plant's name comes from the Greek word meaning 'suffer from cold'.

Read More About the Family