perennial

Florist's Gloxinia

Sinningia speciosa 'Carangola'

The Story

Plant Bio

Sinningia speciosa, commonly known as the florist's gloxinia, is a tender perennial with velvety, ovate leaves and large, bell-shaped flowers that come in vibrant shades of red, pink, purple, or white, forming a lush, bushy growth habit.

The Carangola cultivar is distinguished by its particularly large, vividly colored flowers and robust flowering performance, making it a striking addition to indoor and shaded garden settings.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides vibrant, tubular pink flowers that brighten shaded areas and attract pollinators.
Practical UsesDrought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering.
Ecological BenefitsSupports local pollinators and beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12 inches

Width

8 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Brazil

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-draining soil in spring.
  2. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
  3. Water thoroughly when soil feels dry, avoiding waterlogging.
  4. Fertilize monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer during active growth.
  5. Pinch back to promote bushier growth in early summer.
  6. Keep in bright, indirect light for optimal flowering.

Pro Tip

Use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water when topsoil feels dry 🌱
  • Provide bright, indirect light
  • Fertilize monthly during active growth
  • Pinch back to encourage bushiness

Don't

  • Overwater and let roots sit in water ❌
  • Expose to direct, harsh sunlight
  • Ignore pests or diseases
  • Allow soil to stay soggy

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Lift Store
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful hanging basketBright border in shaded garden

Companion Plants

Ferns Begonias Caladiums

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Florist's Gloxinia questions

What zones can Florist's Gloxinia grow in?

Florist's Gloxinia is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Florist's Gloxinia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Florist's Gloxinia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Florist's Gloxinia bloom?

Florist's Gloxinia typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Florist's Gloxinia need full sun?

Florist's Gloxinia does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Explore the genus

Hardy in your zone?

Grow Florist's Gloxinia with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.