How to Grow and Care for Cape primrose

False african violet (Streptocarpus saxorum) is a herbaceous flowering plant native to Tanzania and Kenya. It is a popular ornamental plant with attractive flowers and foliage which is suitable for an indoor environment or in a shady garden.

Native to South Africa, the cape primrose (Streptocarpus rexii) can be a beautiful pot plant or a decorative plant in a forest-themed landscape. This stemless herb can also be an excellent ground cover. The cape primrose is a known model species for plant developmental studies due to its unusual cellular activities.

Cape primrose 'Polka' is more commonly found growing as a houseplant, but it is occasionally used to provide color in shade gardens. It is prized for its long flowering period that lasts from spring into the late fall. The markings on the petals are what give the plant its name ‘Polka.’

Its cool-toned "watercolor" petals atop wrinkly, bright green leaves give cape primrose 'Harlequin Blue' an extremely unique look. A cultivated hybrid, this cultivar was named for its lacelike pattern and harlequin-blue hues. Cape primrose 'Harlequin Blue' is one of the most popular varieties for its striking appearance, compact size, and long blooming season.

Cape primroses are noted for their large variety of flower colors, and cape primrose 'Falling Stars' is an elegant hybrid that stands out for its blue blossoms. Since it isn’t frost-hardy, this tropical cultivar is most often grown as a houseplant in cooler climates although it can be moved outdoors during the warmer months.