Practical
Plants

Lapageria rosea

Chilean Bellflower

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Foliage
evergreen
Growth rate
moderate
Height
5 m
Spread
5 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Edible uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[11][5][6][7][12]. A sweet white juicy pulp, the yellow fruits are the size of a hen's egg[9].

Plant part
Fruit

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Climber

Environment

Range
S. America - Argentina, Chile.
Habitat
Shady woodlands[3], usually near the coast because it likes a humid atmosphere, between latitude 34 and 41°south[5].
Light
partial sun
Shade tolerance
permanent shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 9+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - it is best to sow 2 - 3 seeds per pot as soon as the seed is ripe, in a humus-rich sandy soil in a warm greenhouse[1][4][6]. It usually germinates within 6 weeks at 20°c[6]. The flesh of the fruit might contain germination inhibitors and should be completely removed before the seed is sown[6]. The stored seed will require stratification. Pre-soak for 3 days in warm water, changing the water 3 - 5 times a day, then stratify for 1 - 3 months at 4°c[4]. Stored seed germinates within 1 - 3 months at 22°c[4]. Thin the seedlings to the strongest plant in each pot and grow on for at least the first winter in a greenhouse before planting out in early summer. Give the plants some protection for their first winter outdoors. Layering in spring before new growth begins[16] or in autumn[12]. It is best done in individual pots because the roots are very brittle. It takes about 12 months[16]. Leaf bud cuttings[6].

Cultivation

Thrives in a lime-free humus-rich soil[15][8][12]. Requires a cool shady position in a warm moist atmosphere[8]. Succeeds in dry shade according to another report[10]. Requires a deep open-textured soil in a warm position[2][4][12] with shade[15][3]. Requires a well-drained soil[1][4][12]. Dislikes cold winds[6]. The Chilean bellflower is best grown on a partially shady and sheltered wall where it will withstand temperatures down to about -5°c[12]. Plants on sunny walls tend to succumb in cold winters whilst those on shady walls are much more likely to survive[3]. Plants can be cut back to the ground in cold winters but will often regrow in the spring[3]. A climbing plant that supports itself by twining around other plants and other supports[13]. It does not really require pruning[13]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is the national flower of Chile[9]. It is not very cold-tolerant, but is commonly cultivated in greenhouses in Britain. It is, however, hardy outdoors in the milder areas of the country[1][8]. The fruits are only occasionally formed in Britain[13]. When growing this plant from seed, it pays to be very selective and only grow on the strongest seedlings since a weak plant tends to remain weak[1]. Slugs are very fond of the young plants and will soon destroy them if given an opportunity[1]. Plants are also subject to attacks by aphis in the spring[1]. Seedlings require a very free-draining soil and it is best to cover them in a plastic bag for a few days after transplanting[4]. Plants are slow to establish, but are very long-lived[14].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩

  3. ? The Plantsman. Vol. 2. 1980 - 1981. Royal Horticultural Society 1980-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  4. Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 1. Thompson and Morgan. 1987-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  5. ? Flora of Chile. (in Spanish)

    ↩1↩2

  6. RHS Lily Group. Lilies and Related Plants.

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  7. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

    ↩

  8. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩1↩2↩3

  9. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩1↩2

  10. Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7

    ↩

  11. Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20459-6

    ↩

  12. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  13. Grey-Wilson. C. & Matthews. V. Gardening on Walls Collins 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-00-219220-0

    ↩1↩2↩3

  14. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2 Pan Books, London. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-330-37376-5

    ↩

  15. Arnold-Forster. Shrubs for the Milder Counties.

    ↩1↩2

  16. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2

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