Introduction to Streptocarpus Plants 

 Streptocarpus, although having a leaf similar to primroses, are not related to them, but belong to the Gesneriad family, which also includes African Violets (Saintpaulias), Columneas and Achimines. Streptocarpus fall into two distinct groups: those with stems, the Streptocarpellas, for example Streptocarpus saxorum, and the more commonly known types with a rosette of leaves. It is from these rosette types that the modern hybrids have been bred. These rosette species inhabit wooded ravines and valleys of the Drakensburg mountains of Southern Africa. The first to be introduced into this country was Streptocarpus rexii in 1826. This has bluish flowers, but soon many other species followed and many crosses were made resulting in the hybrids found in many present-day seed mixtures.

The first of the modern named hybrids was 'Constant Nymph', bred at the John Innes Institute in 1946. In 1969, the John Innes Institute did more crosses involving other colours and produced the free flowering varieties which form the base of our range. We have also added the pick of World-wide varieties. Continued breeding work at our nurseries is adding good new plants to what is undoubtedly the best selection of named hybrids available in the world.

We are the holders of the U.K. National Collection of Streptocarpus. We have been awarded many prizes for our plants including the presitious Gold Medal from the Chelsea Flower Show (1989 to 2003 and 2005 to 2007).

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