Columnea microcalyx 'Superba'
goldfish plant 'Superba'
A trailing subshrub with slender stems bearing small, dark green, oval leaves. The 8cm long, tubular, orange-red flowers are borne in profusion in summer. A good houseplant for a hanging basket or top of a shelf, where it can trail down
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Gesneriaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing
- Genus
Columnea are evergreen shrubs and sub-shrubs with trailing stems bearing fleshy, simple leaves and solitary or clustered, tubular flowers in the leaf axils from spring to autumn
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in pots or hanging baskets of open, humus-rich compost in bright filtered or indirect light. Mist regularly with tepid soft water to maintain high humidity. When in growth water freely but carefully with soft water and apply a quarter-strength, high potash liquid fertiliser at each watering. Water sparingly in winter. To maintain vigour, propagate every 2-3 years
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- hanging basket
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
See pruning group 11
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to root and stem rots if overwatered
Get involved
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