1. The Carpathian bellflower
Single or double, in azure blue or white, it flowers for around ten days if you water it a little every day.
- Where to install? In a cool, bright room like a bedroom.
- To highlight it : Accentuate the rustic side by grouping them in a “planter” planter. Zinc also suits them well.
- And after flowering? Plant them in the garden or in larger pots on the balcony. They will bloom again every year outside.
2 Calceolar
Calceolaria (Calceolaria herbeohybrida) is nicknamed slipper or little slipper. Its curious velvety flowers look like large bags inflated with air. Their shimmering colors include all shades of yellow, red, purple brown and all possible combinations. If it spends its nights in a cool place (12 to 15°C), it can stay in flower for 15 days. Water morning and evening, but without wetting the flowers!
- Where to install it? In a place where it will be clearly visible, in the light but without direct sunlight.
- To highlight it : the ocher of the terracotta harmonizes with all their nuances.
- And after flowering? Throw it away without regret, because this biennial dies once it dies.
3. Malacoid primrose
This primrose (Primula malacoides) comes in fresh shades: from magenta pink to white, two-tone varieties, spotted with pink on a white background. From February to May, their flowers, more or less cut out, give them an unusual appearance.
- The best place : A cool room (temperature around 15°C), like a bedroom, well lit.
- To highlight it : A discreet planter whose opening will be hidden for the crown of leaves at the base in order to keep its “bouquet” appearance.
- And after flowering? Even when transplanted to the garden, it will not rebloom with as much panache. Throw it away without remorse.
4. The exacum
In spring, the Exacum affine or Persian violet is covered with small double or single flowers, purple or white, star-shaped, with a yellow center. Never let your potting soil dry out, even on the surface.
- Where to install it? In the kitchen, as a centerpiece, on the windowsill, it adapts perfectly to indoor conditions.
- To highlight it : Small pastel-colored planters with or without relief ornaments, very feminine. Seen from above, it will have more effect.
- And after flowering? Although perennial, it disappears after flowering, even in the garden.
5. The medinilla
THE Medinilla magnifica Impressive with the size of its dark green leaves (up to 25 cm long) and its clusters of hanging flowers, very unusual. It needs a permanently humid atmosphere and soil.
- Where to install it? Near the bay window in the living room or in the veranda, with the protection of a curtain over the windows.
- To highlight it: A star deserves a pedestal! A square section planter, in a neutral color, will be perfect. Place its flowers at eye level.
- And after flowering? Remove spent flowers and trim the stems a little if necessary. It needs a little coolness in winter to flower again and a lot of light all year round.