Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red | Green | ||
| Winter | Red | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical 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
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-free compost in bright filtered light with protection from strong sun. Mist regularly with soft, tepid water to maintain high humidity. In the growing season water freely but carefully with soft water and apply quarter-strength, high potash liquid fertiliser at each watering. Water sparingly in winter and avoid wetting the foliage
Propagation
Propagate by root tip cuttings with bottom heat in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Sub-tropical
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Overwatering may encourage root and stem rots
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.