Salpiglossis, commonly called painted tongue, is a stunning annual flower native to Mexico, Argentina, and Chile that brings theatrical elegance to summer gardens. These upright plants grow 18 to 36 inches tall, producing funnel-shaped blooms with intricate veining and rich, jewel-like colors that seem hand-painted onto delicate petals. Hardy in zones 2 through 11, salpiglossis thrives in cool-summer climates and rewards gardeners with continuous blooms from May through July. The somewhat weak stems carry narrow, wavy-edged leaves and are naturally hairy and sticky, giving the plant a distinctive tactile quality. This cool-weather annual performs best when started indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost, then transplanted outside shortly before that frost date.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
36in H x 18in W
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Moderate
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Salpiglossis produces showy, intricately veined funnel-shaped flowers that genuinely look like they've been hand-painted, attracting butterflies throughout the blooming season. The plants reach a graceful 18 to 36 inches tall with a spread of 12 to 18 inches, making them substantial enough for garden impact without overwhelming a space. Growing these as cool-weather annuals in areas with moderate summers brings out their best performance, and they actually prefer sites with afternoon shade protection in hot climates. Low-maintenance once established, they need only moderate watering and full sun exposure, though afternoon relief from intense heat keeps them thriving longer into summer.
Salpiglossis is grown primarily as an ornamental annual flower, valued for its showy blooms and ability to attract butterflies to the garden. The intricate veining and rich colors of the flowers make them popular in cut-flower arrangements, where their funnel-shaped structure and delicate appearance add visual interest and elegance to bouquets.
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Start seeds indoors in pots approximately 8 to 10 weeks before your last spring frost date. Provide warm conditions and good light to encourage strong seedling growth. This timing allows plants to be ready for transplanting shortly before the last frost date, when they can be moved outside.
Set plants outside shortly before your last spring frost date once they have developed true leaves and a strong root system. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before final planting. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart in prepared beds with humusy, well-drained soil.
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“Salpiglossis represents a genus of around three species originally native to Mexico, Argentina, and Chile. The plants most commonly grown in gardens today are hybrid cultivars primarily derived from Salpiglossis sinuata, which have been selected and refined to produce the showy, intricately veined flowers we know today. These hybrids have transformed the genus from a regional treasure into a widely available garden ornamental, bringing the painted tongue's theatrical blooms from South American mountain regions to gardeners across temperate and tropical zones worldwide.”