Painted tongue (velvet flower) Salpiglossis sinuata
Painted tongue (velvet flower) (Salpiglossis sinuata) is an annual flowering plant in the Solanaceae family, native to Southern Chile and Argentina. It grows 50–90 cm (20–35 in) tall and 25–35 cm (10–14 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -1 °C (30 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Painted tongue (velvet flower) at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 25–35 cm (10–14 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -1 °C (30 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | about 13–17 weeks after planting, for 7–11 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 130 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Southern Chile and Argentina |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Painted tongue (velvet flower) toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: all parts
No poisonings on record, but it belongs to the nightshade family and should not be eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Painted tongue (velvet flower)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Florence fennel: Fennel releases growth-inhibiting compounds from roots and foliage; lab and garden reports show poorer growth of tomato, pepper and other nearby crops, so keep it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Smoke tree: Smoke tree is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt, which persists in soil after tomato, potato or aubergine crops; avoid planting it where those crops have wilted. Evidence C
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress tomatoes, peppers and many other vegetables nearby; grow it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Nightshades: Nightshades share late blight, early blight, Verticillium wilt and Colorado potato beetle; mix with other families and rotate the bed. Evidence B
- avoid With Potato: Potatoes are the main source of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) that spreads to tomatoes and other nightshades within a few metres. Evidence B
- caution With Sunflower: Sunflower residues and roots release phenolic compounds that can slow nearby seedlings; transplants are less affected. Evidence C
Questions about Painted tongue (velvet flower)
- How far apart should I plant Painted tongue (velvet flower)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 25–35 cm (10–14 in).
- Does Painted tongue (velvet flower) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Painted tongue (velvet flower) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Painted tongue (velvet flower)?
- It tolerates about -1 °C (30 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Painted tongue (velvet flower) flower?
- About 13–17 weeks after planting, for 7–11 weeks.
- Is Painted tongue (velvet flower) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. No poisonings on record, but it belongs to the nightshade family and should not be eaten.
- What grows well with Painted tongue (velvet flower)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Painted tongue (velvet flower). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A half-hardy annual in cool climates: sow under glass in spring and plant out after the last frost.
- Velvety trumpets in crimson, purple, gold and bronze, veined like stained glass. It wants shelter and a cool summer, and stops flowering in heat.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Eggplant (aubergine) Solanum melongena
- Chili pepper Capsicum annuum (hot types)
- Petunia Petunia x hybrida
- Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica