Achimenes is a genus of the Gesneriaceae family native to the West Indies, Mexico and Central America. Species in this genus are often grown as a house plants or in the tropical greenhouse, but many of them can be grown outdoors in summer in well watered good soil in part shade. They respond well to fertilization. After a period of growth and flowering they should be allowed to go dormant and their rhizomes kept dry in moderate temperatures until started back into growth in late winter or spring.
For more information and pictures consult the Gesneriaceae web site
Achimenes 'Prima Donna' has rich pink flowers with orange throats. It flowers during summer and autumn and thrives in moist soil with partial shade. Photos taken August 2009 by Jay Yourch.
