In our grandmother’s day, this plant was known as the plume plant or plume flower.
In today’s catalogs, among the several species listed Jacobinia cornea, relutina, and magnifica.
Great Plumes Of Rose-Pink
It seems to be the same or very similar with great plumes of rose-pink terminal blossoms, each a narrow long tube.
The leaves are dark green, beautifully quilted, and large, 10″ to 12″ inches long.
Grown in a south window, this plant blossoms 2 or 3 times during the Winter for me. It likes rich soil and plenty of water.
Leaves of Jacobinia
The leaves are thin, and cuttings are made in the spring and planted in a shady location by a large shrub.
Not only rooted and grew but blossomed in late Summer before being potted for their Winter sojourn on the window ledge.
The old plant did not put out growth as I expected but died.
However, when new plants can be grown so easily and quickly from cuttings, there is no advantage in carrying over the old stock.
Other Species of Jacobinia
There are other species:
- Jacobinia coccinea, which grows taller and has bright crimson flowers. It makes a good pot plant.
- Jacobinia ghiesbreghtiana is a shrubby plant with orange-red blossoms.
- Jacobinia chrysostephana has shorter leaves and bright yellow flowers.
As soon as the blossoms wither, I cut the pinnacle before seeds can form and continue feeding liquid fertilizer weekly.
Production Of The Plant
Since the plant produces so much, it likes a rich diet of leaf mold, sand, some peat, and cow manure.
Many plants will lose their leaves if not taken in the house until the heat is on and the windows are closed.
By taking them in early, when the windows are open and the change in atmospheric conditions comes gradually, most plants will respond happily and continue their growth uninterrupted.
50035 by FS Kellenberger