Kohleria 'Jester'
tree gloxinia 'Jester'
An erect, compact, rhizomatous perennial to 30cm tall, with lance-shaped, velvety, dark green leaves to 7cm long. In summer it produces tubular pinkish-red flowers with darker red lines and spots on the petal lobes. All parts of the plant are covered in fine, white hairs
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, Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Gesneriaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Kohleria are erect rhizomatous perennials with simple, toothed leaves sometimes with silvery markings, and solitary or clustered tubular or bell-shaped flowers with 5 spreading rounded lobes
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Start the rhizomes into growth at 21°C in early spring. Grow in houseplant compost in bright, filtered light with high humidity. Using soft water, water moderately at first, then freely when in full growth. When flower buds appear, apply a high-potash fertiliser every 2 weeks. In autumn, remove dying top growth and keep almost completely dry
Propagation
Propagate by division in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to rhizome rots if overwatered
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.