Sinningia 'Invasion Force' 1g

Sinningia ‘Invasion Force’ (Hardy Pink Gloxinia) is a vigorous tuberous perennial hybrid grown for its spreading habit, soft gray-green foliage, lightly fragrant pink tubular flowers, and strong hummingbird appeal. A hybrid involving Sinningia tubiflora and Sinningia sellovii, it combines the drought tolerance, tuberous growth, and gray-foliage character associated with hardy Sinningia selections with pink tubular flowers and a notably vigorous habit. In Southern California landscapes, ‘Invasion Force’ is useful as a spreading perennial for dry gardens, containers, hummingbird plantings, and specialty low-water landscapes where its seasonal growth cycle and unusual tuberous base can be appreciated.

Quick Facts:

Botanical Name: Sinningia ‘Invasion Force’

Common Name: Hardy Pink Gloxinia

Plant Type: Tuberous perennial

Mature Size: Foliage approximately 1 foot tall, with flowering stems reaching 1–2 feet; spreading habit

Exposure: Full sun to light shade; best bloom usually occurs in full sun

Water: Low to moderate; regular to sparing irrigation depending on site conditions, with drier conditions preferred in winter

Soil: Adaptable to many soils if drainage is adequate; also well suited to containers

Bloom Season: Late spring to late summer

Flower Color: Pink

Foliage Color: Soft gray-green

Fragrance: Lightly fragrant flowers

Wildlife Value: Flowers attract hummingbirds

Origin: Hybrid involving the South American species Sinningia tubiflora and Sinningia sellovii

Winter Hardiness: Cold tolerant when established in the ground; exposed tubers in containers are more cold sensitive

Landscape Uses: Hummingbird gardens, dry gardens, containers, rock gardens, specialty perennial plantings, low-water landscapes, coastal gardens, and areas where a spreading tuberous perennial is desired

Habit & Size: Sinningia ‘Invasion Force’ forms a spreading mound of soft, rounded gray-green leaves that rise from potato-like tubers. The foliage is generally about 1 foot tall, while unbranched, slightly arching flower stems reach approximately 1–2 feet tall in late spring to early summer. The pendulous tubular pink flowers have flared petal tips, are lightly fragrant, and are attractive to hummingbirds. Its vigorous spreading habit makes it useful where seasonal coverage is desired, while container culture can help manage spread and display the tuberous base.

Cultural Requirements: Plant in full sun to light shade, with best flowering usually occurring in full sun. ‘Invasion Force’ adapts to a range of soils where drainage is adequate and can be grown in the ground or in containers. Irrigation can range from regular to sparing depending on exposure, soil, and container size, but plants should be kept on the drier side during winter when growth slows or becomes semi-deciduous. Good drainage is especially important around the tubers.

Landscape Uses: ‘Invasion Force’ is useful in hummingbird gardens, dry gardens, rock gardens, specialty perennial borders, containers, and low-water landscapes. Its tubular pink flowers provide nectar value, while the gray-green foliage and tuberous base give the plant ornamental interest even outside peak bloom. Because of its spreading nature, it can fill open areas where a vigorous seasonal perennial is appropriate. In smaller gardens, containers are a practical way to control spread while still showcasing the foliage, flowers, and tubers. It may also be appropriate in protected coastal gardens where drainage is good.

Identification Note: Sinningia ‘Invasion Force’ is distinguished by its potato-like tubers, spreading mound of soft gray-green leaves, and pendulous pink tubular flowers with flared petal tips. It differs from white-flowered hardy gloxinia selections by its pink flowers and hybrid background involving Sinningia sellovii. The name ‘Invasion Force’ refers to the plant’s vigor and spreading habit rather than any formal invasive status.

Pests and Cultural Considerations: Generally durable when planted with adequate drainage and managed according to its seasonal growth cycle. The most important cultural point is to keep plants drier in winter, especially in containers or where tubers are exposed. Excessively wet winter conditions can increase the risk of tuber or crown problems. In containers, exposed tubers can be ornamental but may be more sensitive to cold injury. Where spread is a concern, grow the plant in a container or locate it where its vigor is useful.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Sinningia ‘Invasion Force’ native to California? No. It is a hybrid involving South American Sinningia species and is grown in California as an ornamental tuberous perennial.

What are the parents of Sinningia ‘Invasion Force’? It is a hybrid involving Sinningia tubiflora and Sinningia sellovii.

Why is it called ‘Invasion Force’? The name refers to its vigorous spreading habit. It is not a formal invasive designation.

How large does Sinningia ‘Invasion Force’ grow? The foliage typically grows about 1 foot tall, while flower stems reach approximately 1–2 feet tall. The plant spreads from tubers and can fill space over time.

What color are the flowers? The flowers are pink, tubular, pendulous, lightly fragrant, and have flared petal tips.

Does ‘Invasion Force’ attract hummingbirds? Yes. The tubular pink flowers are attractive to hummingbirds.

When does it bloom? Bloom is typically in late spring to early summer.

Does it need full sun? It can grow in full sun to light shade, but flowering is usually strongest in full sun.

How much water does it need? It has low to moderate water needs and can be irrigated regularly to sparingly where drainage is good. It should be kept drier in winter when growth slows.

Is it drought tolerant? Yes. Once established, it is drought tolerant for a flowering perennial, especially when grown in well-drained soil or managed carefully in containers.

Can it be grown in containers? Yes. Containers are useful for controlling its spreading habit and for displaying the tubers.

Is it cold hardy? It is cold tolerant when established in the ground, but exposed tubers in containers are more vulnerable to cold damage.

Is ‘Invasion Force’ invasive? The name refers to vigor, not a formal invasive designation. It can spread strongly in favorable conditions, so containers or controlled planting locations are useful where spread is a concern.