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2012 Orange Salpiglossis - Flower of the Year
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2012 Flower of the Year: SALPIGLOSSIS - "Painted Tongue"

Every year the Wood Buffalo Communities in Bloom program encourages residents to plant a different flower to show their support.

2012 Flower of the Year - Salpiglosssis purpleSalpiglossis gains its name from modern Latin from Greek salpinx meaning a trumpet and glōssis meaning tongue and is commonly referred to as the "painted tongue" flower. Salpiglossis is a native of Chile, and thrives in areas with periods of cool weather. Salpiglossis is a cool-season annual that germinates and flourishes best before dry, hot weather hits. Related to petunias, salpiglossis have the same open-faced, trumpet-like flowers. There are many color variations in a range of vibrant colours from and varying shades of blue, purple, red, brown, orange, and yellow. Many have a unique feature of rich contrasting coloured veins and marbled patterns on petals can resemble stained glass.

 

 Growing Salpiglossis



Type:

Annual - Grows to a height of 60- 90 cm (24-36 in) tall, and covered in flowers.

　

Propagation:

If starting off indoors then sow the seeds into a peat pot about eight to twelve weeks before last frost is expected. Seeds germinate in two to three weeks at 21 - 24 degrees centigrade. Once established transplant them outdoors after there is no longer a chance of frost.

If planting outdoors seeds are sown on the soil surface immediately before the last frost of spring is expected. The seeds should then be covered very lightly with straw.

Painted tongue plants should be spaced about 40 cm apart.

　

Light:

Full Sun (minimum six hours).   

　

Flower:

Bloom from late spring and early summer to the first frost. Colourful trumpet like flowers 6 cm (2.5 in) in diameter - many varieties have colourful veins that look like stained glass. Range of vibrant colours from and varying shades of blue, purple, red, brown, orange, and yellow.

　

Soil Requirements:

Well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Feed the plants with a water soluable fertilizer twice a month, as this will increase plant health and encourage blooming.  Keep soil moist but be cautious not to overwater as this may cause root rot. 

　

Growing Tips:

Pinching back the plants will encourage fuller plant growth.  Apply mulch in the spring and supported with a twig or thin stake. Deadhead regularly (remove spent blooms) to encourage optimal flowering.

　

Uses:

This plant grows vertically and clusters of these plants work good in the middle of beds/containers or on there own as a border. They make good cut flowers. 

Be aware that this plant has untidy feet (roots) and is best planted with in conjunction with low growing plants or groundcovers.    

　

Seed Collecting:

Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds. Properly cleaned seeds can be successfully stored for next year.

Previous Flowers of the Year

 

　

2011

Lavatera

　

2010

Bachelor's Buttons

　

2009

Zinnia

　

2008

Nasturtium

　

2007

Cosmos

　

2006

Snapdragon

　

2005

Marigold

　

2004

Nicotiana

　

2003

Sunflower

　

2002

Petunia