How to Grow Achimenes Purple King
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Achimenes Purple King
Achimenes × 'Purple King'
flowerAchimenes Purple King is a tender perennial flowering plant known for its vibrant deep purple blooms with contrasting yellow throats. It produces abundant tubular flowers throughout the growing season and is ideal for containers, hanging baskets, and indoor cultivation. This hybrid cultivar is prized for its long bloom period and compact growth habit.
When should you plant Achimenes Purple King in your zone?
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Example Achimenes Purple King timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Achimenes Purple King
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Achimenes Purple King blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Achimenes Purple King dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10b-11; grown as an annual or houseplant in cooler climates
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Get my Achimenes Purple King timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy/Planting
4-6 weeksRhizomes are dormant and appear as small scaly tubers; new shoots are just beginning to emerge
Store rhizomes in cool, dry place over winter; start rhizomes in moist soil in spring; maintain soil temperature around 70°F for sprouting
Seedling/Early Growth
3-4 weeksNew shoots emerge; small heart-shaped leaves develop; plant is establishing root system
Keep soil evenly moist; maintain bright indirect light; avoid fertilizing until growth is established; ensure good air circulation
Vegetative
4-6 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and dense foliage; lush green leafy growth with no flowers yet
Pinch growing tips to encourage bushier habit; fertilize weekly with balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer; maintain consistent moisture and humidity (50-70%)
Flowering
8-12 weeks or moreAbundant deep purple tubular flowers with yellow throats appear along stems; blooms continuously throughout season
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; reduce nitrogen fertilizer, switch to bloom-promoting formula (higher phosphorus); maintain consistent watering; humidity is critical
Decline/Dormancy
4-8 weeks transitionFlowering slows in fall; foliage yellows and dies back as temperatures cool; plant enters dormancy
Gradually reduce watering as growth slows; stop fertilizing; allow foliage to fully die back; move to cool location (55-60°F); store rhizomes dry over winter
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; mist foliage; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; ensure good air circulation
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Yellow sticky traps; spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap; neem oil treatment
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Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate affected plants
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging; provide good air circulation; treat with fungicide if needed; use sterile soil
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Improve air circulation; reduce humidity slightly; spray with fungicide; remove affected leaves
Uses
Ornamental and Non-Edible
CulinaryAchimenes flowers are not edible and not used in culinary applications. They are purely ornamental plants grown for their beautiful display. [source]
Indoor Decoration & Containerized Display
HouseholdIdeal for hanging baskets, containers, shelves, and windowsills indoors or on protected patios. The cascading habit and abundant flowers make it excellent for brightening indoor spaces, bathrooms, and humid growing areas. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdPurple King flowers can be cut for short-lived indoor arrangements, adding vibrant purple color to floral displays. Blooms last 3-5 days in water. [source]
Hummingbird & Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe tubular purple flowers with yellow throats attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, making it valuable for creating wildlife habitat indoors or in protected outdoor spaces. [source]
Harvest Tips
Achimenes Purple King is grown for ornamental flowers, not harvested for food. Deadhead spent blooms regularly by pinching off flowers just below the calyx to promote continuous flowering throughout the season. Cut flowers can be enjoyed in arrangements indoors; they typically last 3-5 days in a vase with fresh water.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Achimenes are sometimes called 'Magic Flowers' because they appear to magically bloom after dormancy; their rhizomes can remain viable for years when stored properly
- 🌱 The genus Achimenes belongs to the Gesneriaceae (African Violet) family and is native to tropical regions of Central and South America, preferring humid rainforest conditions
- 🌱 Achimenes flowers are known for their rapid opening and closing responses to light; flowers may open and close within a single day based on light levels and humidity
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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