The Cape primrose, also known as streptocarpus, is a fantastic houseplant that produces an abundance of colorful blooms. With trumpet-shaped flowers borne on arching stems above strap-like leaves, it’s easy to see why they are often mistaken for orchids. Cape primroses are native to South Africa but have become popular houseplants worldwide thanks to their ease of care, non-stop flowers, and wide variety of colors and forms.
If you’re looking to add these gorgeous bloomers to your home, you may be wondering where to find Cape primrose plants for sale Here are some of the best sources to get your hands on high-quality streptocarpus plants
Online Specialty Plant Nurseries
Online sellers that specialize in African violets and other gesneriads are a great option for finding a wide selection of Cape primrose varieties. Reputable online vendors will ship healthy, established plants and offer guidance on caring for your new primroses. Some top online sources include
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Violet Barn – With over 1000 streptocarpus cultivars this is one of the premier online sources for Cape primroses. They offer their own hybrids as well as plants from other specialty breeders, in many colors leaf shapes and growth habits.
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Lyndon Lyon Greenhouses – A family-owned nursery offering 100+ varieties of streptocarpus. Their selection includes trailing, compact, variegated and uniquely colored bloomers.
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Logee’s Plants – This nursery has a long tradition of providing rare and unusual plants by mail order. Their streptocarpus selection covers a diverse range of colors, patterns, and foliage shapes.
When ordering online, look for sellers who package plants to survive shipping, provide care instructions, and have a guarantee on live delivery. This helps ensure you’ll receive healthy, thriving primroses ready to grow and flower in your home.
Local Nurseries
Check with independent plant nurseries in your area to see if they carry streptocarpus. Local greenhouses and family-owned garden centers are more likely to offer a selection of Cape primroses than big box stores. The advantage of buying locally is you can hand pick the specific plants you want and avoid shipping stress on the plants.
Call or visit the nursery ahead of time to ask if they have any streptocarpus in stock. If they don’t have any, inquire if they can special order some for you. Bring photos of the colors and flower forms you’re looking for. A knowledgeable local nursery will work to find the primrose varieties their customers request.
Plant Swaps and Trades
Connecting with other houseplant enthusiasts in your community can unlock access to unique and hard-to-find Cape primroses. Check for local African violet societies or houseplant swap groups. Members often trade cuttings and divisions of their favorite streptocarpus cultivars.
Apps like NextDoor can also help you connect with other home gardeners in your neighborhood. Make a post inquiring if anyone has Cape primrose plants they’d be willing to sell or share cuttings from. If there’s another streptocarpus lover nearby, they’ll probably be thrilled to help you get started growing these amazing bloomers.
Seed Sources
If you don’t mind growing streptocarpus from seed and waiting for the first blooms, you can source Cape primrose seeds from online specialty seed companies. Saving and collecting your own seed is also rewarding. Hybridizer and society seed fund offerings give home growers access to exciting new streptocarpus varieties.
Growing Cape primroses from seed does require more time and care than purchasing established plants. But the payoff is affordable access to unique and hard-to-find varieties. Planting a mixed assortment of seeds can yield a delightful range of bloom colors and plant habits.
Divisions From Mature Plants
Once you acquire your first Cape primrose plants, propagating your own from divisions can exponentially increase your collection. Streptocarpus produce blooming side rosettes that can be divide off and potted up into new plants. Divisions from a healthy mother plant quickly grow into flowering-size primroses.
Trading divisions with friends is a great way to swap colors and varieties. You can also find society members or online sellers offering divisions of select cultivars. Purchasing plant divisions is typically cheaper than buying whole potted plants. And you’ll have the satisfaction of growing and blooming plants you propagated yourself.
Wherever You Find Them, Enjoy the Gorgeous Blooms!
However you obtain your first Cape primroses, the reward will be months of intricate blooms in shades from pure white to deep purple-blue. Caring for streptocarpus is easy, but hunting down coveted varieties takes some work. Check all the resources above to locate rare, hard-to-find plants. With the right sources, you can find Cape primrose plants for sale to suit any taste and fit any space.
Stop Crown Rot in Streptocarpus How to fix it. How to prevent it.
FAQ
Does Cape Primrose like sun or shade?
Grow in bright shade to partial sun near a window but not in direct southern sunlight (an east or north window is fine). Cape Primroses are also good candidates for a light garden where they will bloom for many months at a time.
When can you buy Primrose plants?
January to March
This is the peak primrose season, The best range of colours can be found during this time, normally sold in flower they can be used to add colour and scent to your planters.
Can Streptocarpus go outside?
If you live in a frost-free area streptocarpus can be grown outdoors in a sheltered position with good drainage.
Does Streptocarpus like sun or shade?
Best grown in a bright but not sunny, warm, draft free location. They prefer a fertile, moist, humus-rich well-drained soil.
Do Cape primroses grow well in South Africa?
Native to South Africa, these plants thrive in moderate to low light conditions, making them an excellent option for brightening up less sunny spaces in your home. They require well-draining soil and a consistent watering schedule. Cape Primrose plants are known for their long blooming period, providing a colorful display for many months.
Is Cape primrose a good indoor plant?
Cape Primrose, also known as Streptocarpus, is a popular choice for indoor gardening enthusiasts due to its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers and attractive, deep-green, velvety leaves. Native to South Africa, these plants thrive in moderate to low light conditions, making them an excellent option for brightening up less sunny spaces in your home.
How do you know if a Streptocarpus is a Cape primrose?
Streptocarpus are often called “Cape Primrose”. These fibrous rooted plants have trumpet shaped flowers in a wide array of colors and sizes. Leaf size and length varies from plant to plant and may be trimmed with scissors to a shorter length if desired. Plants can withstand cooler temperatures, but extremely high temperatures can cause death.
What does a Cape primrose look like?
Streptocarpus ‘Bethan’: This beautiful cape primrose has both a lovely, neat habit and a very free-flowering nature. The flowers themselves are a soft purplish blue, with the lower lobes being veined with deeper purple.