I show them this
plant.
I say, would you like to see a
hardy "African Violet"?
They always take the bait, and even the most
knowledgeable are taken
in. I always fess up though, and tell them that
it's not really an
"African Violet", it's really Bergainia
ciliata from the
Himalayas.
Bergainia ciliata has been growing
happily in the
shadiest bed in my garden for over 10 years now. I've
tried desperately to
get a seed set so that i could share it with you, but
alas, it won't
set a single seed.
So....since I knew that this is a
plant that you
couldn't, shouldn't and wouldn't want to live
without, I put her
under the knife, you know Tissue Culture, and
now have thousands to
share with you.
I have to say that even if it she
never put up her 10"
spikes of white flowers in early Spring, it is a most
worthwhile plant to
grow, just think how many people you can pull
the "Hardy African Violet"
rap on!
Seriously though, the 7" X
10" huge,
soft, furry foliage makes this plant magnificent in
appearance.
So
very easy to grow and enjoy.