This perennial has a low prostrate habit with spreading fleshy dark green to purple leaves that have a soft-felty texture. The mauve to pink and white rotate flowers appear in a small cluster just above the foliage in summer and there are many cultivars.

Hardiness zones 11 to 12

Saintpaulia ionantha is naturally found from South Africa to Tanzania growing in moist organic rich well drained soil with a pH range from 4.5 to 7.0 and prefers semi shaded to bright filtered light in a protected position and is frost and drought tender.

African Violets are grown for their flowers and compact habit. It is commonly grown as an indoor potted plant or used in window boxes and in cold regions it is grown in a well lit conservatory. It is also planted in small gardens along front borders or rockeries and establishes in 1 to 3 years. It is suitable for coastal regions or inland regions.ID 374

Saintpaulia(saint-PAU-lee-ah) ionantha(i-on-AN-tha)

Gesneriaceae(ges-ner-ee-AY-see-ee)
African Violets and Gloxinias