A beautiful award-winner. Position: partial shade Soil: fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil or fibre-based compost if grown indoors Rate of growth: average Flowering period: April to October Hardiness: tender (will need to be over-wintered indoors, or in a shaded greenhouse) Producing the first flat-faced bi-coloured flowers, this compact cape primrose was voted Plant of the Year at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2010 and Shortlisted for Chelsea Plant of the Centenary in 2013. Its gorgeous blooms are a mix of soft blue and butter yellow, and the colour is defined by the deep purple streaks that run from the throat. Home care: Throughout the growing season, keep them quite well watered, but as they are sensitive to overwatering, allow the compost to get a little dry in between; during this time they should also be fed with a high potash fertiliser. Remove spent flowers as they fade and trim back any old leaves that are past their best. Overwinter on a south or west-facing windowsill and water less often. Repot each spring into a slightly larger, shallow pot filled with fibre-based compost. They can also be used as summer bedding - grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade.
