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Lapageria rosea

It's considered by many to be one of the most beautiful flowering vines in the world!  The Chilean Bellflower - Lapageria rosea - was rightfully chosen as the national flower of Chile.  The sumptuous flowers of this vine are treasured by gardeners for their beauty.  This is a cool-climate plant, so it's not for everyone.  If you can provide the right conditions, it will be one of your favorite plants.  It is mine!  Seeds don't store well, so i'm happy to offer freshly picked seeds, as well as plants.

Lapageria rosea

The 3 inch long blooms of the Chilean Bellflower appear in large numbers throughout much of the year.  The flowers may look delicate, but they're surprisingly thick and durable, and often last for weeks on the vine.  The glossy, heart-shaped leaves are also thick and sturdy.  This vigorous vine gracefully climbs its way up a trellis or fence, and looks absolutely stunning over an arbor!

Lapageria rosea

It has a long blooming period, and can have flowers on it any time of year.  The red petals have beautiful white speckles inside, and some on the outside too.  The amount of speckles can vary from plant to plant, and so can the shade of red, which may have a tinge of pink.  The photos here give you an idea of what you can expect.  Fortunately there is no such thing as an ugly Lapageria!

Lapageria comes from the cool mountains of Chile, and grows best between 40 and 80 degrees F (5-27 degrees C), with cool nights.  It might not thrive if temperatures consistently get above 85 degrees F (30 C), particularly if nights are warm (over 65°F / 18°C).  If you can grow Fuchsia or Clivia, you should be able to grow Lapageria.  Try to protect it from freezing temperatures, although mature plants are said to tolerate down to the low 20s (-5 degrees C) if given overhead protection.  It may be grown indoors in a pot.  Give it something to twine itself around, like a trellis or wires.

Since it comes from the forests, it prefers tree-filtered sun.  Shade it from strong afternoon sun.  It prefers moist, slightly acidic soil that's well-draining and low in lime.  If your tap water is very high in minerals, it's best to use rainwater or bottled water.  If you can provide the right conditions, it is an easy and long-lived vine.  They take a few years to flower, but it is definitely worth it!

Beware of fake Lapageria seeds, especially from China. 

 

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Detailed growing tips about this plant

 

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