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| Category: Vine |
| Family: Philesiaceae (Lapageria) |
| Origin: Chile (South America) |
| Flower Color: Rose Pink |
| Bloomtime: Summer/Fall |
| Height: Climbing (Vine) |
| Width: Spreading |
| Exposure: Light Shade/Part Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F |
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Lapageria rosea (Chilean Bellflower) - The Chilean Bell Flower is one of the most beautiful of flowering vines. It is the national flower of Chile, where it is known as Copihue. It is a vigorous plant with leathery evergreen leaves that can grow to 10 feet tall and wide with support. In late summer and fall appear the 4" long succulent flowers that are usually a watermelon pink color with a netted overlay of darker red. These flowers are long lasting and in Chile are cut and sold for flower arrangements. The fruit is also sold in the markets and although they have lots of seeds, they are reportedly very sweet and soft, somewhat like custard. Plant in bright shade in a rich well-drained soil with regular irrigation. It requires little fertilizer - particularly avoid fertilizers that might raise the pH levels of the soil. Do not allow to dry out or plant where other plants' roots will compete for moisture. Hardy to around 15-20 F. Lapageria is named for Josephine Tascher de la Pagerie, Napoleon Bonaparte's wife and the specific epithet is in reference to the typical rose colored flowers. We have seen wonderful examples of this plant in the cooler bay area and along the Mendocino coast. We started growing this beautiful flowering vine in 2005 but after years of trying to produce sellable crops, we determined our climate was too warm to do it justice and we discontinued growing it in 2012. Web image courtesy of Margie Tyre.
The information about Lapageria rosea displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
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