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Salpiglossis sinuata 'Bolero'
Painted Tongue
| These tall, flowering plants provide striking background color and choice cuttings for arrangements. Petunia-like flowers come in unusual shades -- cream, mahogany, brown -- as well as a wide spectrum from yellows, hot oranges and reds to cool violets and blues. Contrasting veins and marbled patterns accent the petals. Many varieties of the cultivated species, Salpiglossis sinuata, have even bigger flowers. Some strains have unmarked petals. They bloom best from late spring and early summer to the first frost. Need full sun and rich, moisture-retentive, but well-drained soil. Though their height suits them to the back row, allow access for hand-on care. Help them through hot, dry spells with regular watering and mulch. Pinch tips to induce branching. Gangly stems may need staking. Keep weeds cleared away, and deadhead promptly. Container plants can winter in a sunny, dryish, well-ventilated greenhouse with nights above 45º to 50º F. Fertilize rootbound pots with diluted liquid fertilizer. Growing from seed takes extra care. Do not sow directly outside, but start 2 or 3 seeds to a seedling pot, and keep warm until sprouted, 7 to 10 days. Thin to 1 per pot and shelter until well established. Transplant outdoors when all chance of frost is past. |
This dwarf variety grows vigorously. Prominent veins accent flaring trumped-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and blue.
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Attributes - Salpiglossis sinuata 'Bolero'
Plant Type: Annual
Bloom Season: Late Spring through Early Fall
Flower Color: Blue, Orange, Red, Yellow
Height: 1 ft. 6 in. to 2 ft.
Width: 1 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Notes: Container Plants, Showy Flowers. Susceptible to Aphids.
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