How could I resist adding a cold hardy African violet relative (Gesneriad family) to the garden? Of course, I couldn’t, though with varied reports there was reason to question the cold hardiness of false sinningia  (Hemiboea subcapitata). Some folks claimed it’s hardy only to ten degrees (Fahrenheit), others a good bit colder, but it seemed worthwhile to take the chance.

I planted the false sinningia in a narrow space bordering the sunroom where it could spread a bit and be readily seen, and figuring the proximity to the house would provide some cold protection. After two winters, one diving to just below zero, its cold hardiness is confirmed and with a moderately fast spreading habit, glossy foliage and splendid early autumn flowers, I’m overjoyed to have it.

Since it has spread as far as pathstones will allow, I’ve recently dug a clump to add to the half shaded front bed. I was surprised to see rhizomes heading in every direction from the small clump. A year ago I added a cousin (Hemiboea subacaulis var jiangxiensis) with slightly larger leaves and flowers. It is also spreading happily in a part shaded setting. I dug a clump of this to add out front.

There are plenty of one-of-a-kinds in the garden, with one’s success often leading to a second, then an eighth. I don’t recall which of the toad lilies (Tricyrtis spp.) was first, but it lead to another, and searches through mailorder websites for more since selections were limited in the garden centers.

A few years ago, I gave up on adding new toad lilies since too many were too similar. I admit to adding a few, but at least I’ve slowed down my collecting. I’ve dug numerous seedlings from Tricyrtis hirta varieties, some to relocate and others to give away so that someone else can begin their collection.