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Lapageria rosea - Ruiz.&Pav.

Common Name Chilean Bellflower
Family Philesiaceae
USDA hardiness 8-11
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Shady woodlands[120], usually near the coast because it likes a humid atmosphere, between latitude 34 and 41°south[139].
Range S. America - Argentina, Chile.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Half Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full shade Semi-shade
Lapageria rosea Chilean Bellflower


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Liliaceae_Lapageria_rosea_1.jpg
Lapageria rosea Chilean Bellflower
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:KENPEI

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of climber
Lapageria rosea is an evergreen Climber growing to 5 m (16ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to December, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; North Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 139, 163, 177, 200]. A sweet white juicy pulp, the yellow fruits are the size of a hen's egg[183].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Thrives in a lime-free humus-rich soil[49, 182, 200]. Requires a cool shady position in a warm moist atmosphere[182]. Succeeds in dry shade according to another report[188]. Requires a deep open-textured soil in a warm position[11, 133, 200] with shade[49, 120]. Requires a well-drained soil[1, 133, 200]. Dislikes cold winds[163]. The Chilean bellflower is best grown on a partially shady and sheltered wall where it will withstand temperatures down to about -5°c[200]. Plants on sunny walls tend to succumb in cold winters whilst those on shady walls are much more likely to survive[120]. Plants can be cut back to the ground in cold winters but will often regrow in the spring[120]. A climbing plant that supports itself by twining around other plants and other supports[219]. It does not really require pruning[219]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is the national flower of Chile[183]. 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, 182]. The fruits are only occasionally formed in Britain[219]. 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[133]. Plants are slow to establish, but are very long-lived[260].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant 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, 133, 163]. It usually germinates within 6 weeks at 20°c[163]. The flesh of the fruit might contain germination inhibitors and should be completely removed before the seed is sown[163]. 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[133]. Stored seed germinates within 1 - 3 months at 22°c[133]. 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[78] or in autumn[200]. It is best done in individual pots because the roots are very brittle. It takes about 12 months[78]. Leaf bud cuttings[163].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

SOUTHERN AMERICA: Chile

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

Ruiz.&Pav.

Botanical References

11200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Alf Valjebeck   Fri Jan 2 19:48:18 2004

Link: The 'Copihue' or Chilean Bellflower, Lapageria rosea

Charlie Pridham   Sat Mar 17 2007

Lapageria are normally polinated by long billed humming birds in the wild although but will occassionally set seed in the uk provided two plants are present and flowers are either hand polinated or sometimes insects will do the cross polination but this is quite rare. There are a number of named cultivars some from the americas and some from the UK, but these are difficult to source in the uk

Roseland House garden and Nursery details of the National collection of Lapageria cultivars at Roseland House

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Subject : Lapageria rosea  
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