PlantFiles: Painted Tongue
Salpiglossis sinuata 'Royale Mix'

grew this in my zone 3a garden

is in the same family as petunias begin as such
patchy germination
needed support
so unusual...drew many comments

Bought on ebay as Velvet flower had a heck of a time finding the real name...quite excited about growing this next spring.

This is what that package said: One of the most dazzling of all old-fashioned flowers. Brand new Stained Glass is a very showy and weather-tolerant variety bred in England. These gorgeous flowers bloom hard all season in rich chocolate, deep blue, vermillion red, glowing orange, gold and dark purple with striking bicolors. Many of the 3 in throated blossoms have enchanting and exotic-looking butterfly wing tracings. The 1 1/2 foot basal branching plants are glorious in containers or to light up the garden with radiant color.

Salpiglossis makes a great front to mid border plant. I place them in front of my Peonies and the Painted Tongue blooms after the Peonies have finished. Start them indoors about seven to eight weeks before transplanting after the last frost. They should have some twigs or other small supports as their stems are leggy. The blooms can be tender, but are a unique addition to the border.