This is usually the first plant people notice when they go in the shady part of my garden.  Mitraria coccinea is a gorgeous, rare species from Chile with brilliant red flowers throughout much of the year.  The curvaceous blooms remind me of a woman's dress.  The Chileans think it looks like a little bottle, so they call it "Botellita".  The velvety, 1½" flowers appear singly, in pairs, or in threes all over the plant.  My digital camera simply can't capture the rich, intense RED of this flower! 

Mitraria is an evergreen perennial in the Gesneriad family, which includes African Violets.  There is only one species in the genus Mitraria, and it is only found in the cool rainforests of Chile.  This plant is happiest in temperatures below 80 degrees, and might not thrive in areas that are consistenly above 85, particularly if nights are warm.  If you can grow Fuchsias or Clivia, you should be able to grow Mitraria.  The plant may be grown indoors in a cool room.  It just needs some humidity - over about 40% is recommneded.

Mitraria is both a creeping and climbing plant.  It can climb several feet up a fence or trellis, and it will creep along the ground for 4-6 feet, rooting wherever it touches the soil.  You may separate the rooted sections and give them to friends.  Mitraria is perfect for a hanging planter, where its rich foliage and vibrant blooms can be admired up close.  It flowers throughout much of the year in mild areas, with the heaviest show from spring through fall.

Mitraria likes dappled sun, or morning sun + bright shade.  Protect it from strong afternoon sun.  It is reportedly hardy down to 12-20 degrees, but try to protect it from prolonged frosts.  It is happiest above freezing.  It prefers moist, well-draining soil that's high in organic matter and low in lime.  If you can meet its basic needs, you'll find that this is an easy and very delightful plant.

This is a very hard to find plant, and rarely seen in nurseries.

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For detailed growing tips about this plant, click here.