Lapageria Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 25th Nov 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Lapageria plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Lapageria is famed for its stunning, bell-shaped flowers that come in deep reds and pinks. This climbing vine is a showstopper that is perfect for adding vertical drama to gardens.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Prefers partial shade, shelter from strong winds, and use a well-drained, humus-rich soil. It thrives in cooler, moist environments, and is ideal for woodland gardens.
- General Care: Requires consistent moisture and regular feeding during the growing season. Support structures such as trellises or arbors are necessary for optimal growth.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Chilean Bellfloweris perfect for gardeners who enjoy nurturing and watching plants grow. These care requirements offer a rewarding challenge for those looking to expand their gardening skills.
Copihue, and Chilean Bell Flower: Cultivation & Garden Use
Lapageria is a half hardy perennial vine.
It flowers from the middle of summer to the autumn. and carries dark pink trumpet shaped flowers.
The foliage of Lapageria is sharply pointed, and of a leathery nature.
Some common names for the one member of the Lapageria genus include Chilean bell flower and Copihue.
Lapageria rosea by inao.
Plants perform best in warm humid climates. If you live in a cool region then grow them in containers and bring inside for the winter.
Copihue (Lapageria rosea)by Paul Lowry.
Chilean Bellflower by Paul Lowry.
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Lapageria Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Copihue, Chilean Bell Flower.Height: up to 32 feet (10 m); Vine.
Life Cycle: Half hardy perennial.
Native: Southern America.
Growing Region: Zones 8 to 10.
Flowers: From the middle of summer through to autumn.
Flower Details: Red, Pink. Spotted with white. Trumpets about 3.5 inches (9 cm) in length.
Foliage: Evergreen. Leathery. Pointed. Ovate. Wiry stems. Shrubby vine.
Sow Outside: No.
Sow Inside: 1/8 inch (3 mm). Germination one to three months. Temperature: 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C). Beginning of autumn using fresh seed. After two years of growth, transplant the seedlings to their final location following the last frost. Spacing: these vines should be planted by themselves.
Requirements and care: Full or afternoon shade. Good drainage. Humus rich soil. Acidic soil. Regular watering during dry periods. For container plants it is important not to let the soil dry out, through providing a little water every day — do not overwater, but do not let the soil that Copihue is growing in dry out either. Winter straw mulch. Spring feed with low nitrogen organic feed. Propagate: by taking cuttings in the spring or autumn.
Miscellaneous: Pollinated by hummingbirds. Lapageria rosea (Copihue), is the national flower, and a protected species in its native Chile. The plant is often mentioned in Mapuche stories.
How to Grow Copihue / Chilean Bell Flower (Lapageria)
It is best to start off Copihue / Chilean bell flowers and other Lapageria plants indoors; only grow them if you live in a warm climate.
The Chilean bell flower should be sown in the autumn from fresh seeds; sow at a depth of 3 mm (1/8 inch) into a humus rich soil.
It can take anything from one to three months for the Lapageria to germinate at a temperature of 18 to 24 degrees centigrade (64 to 75°F).
Copihue Care Guide
Once germinated the Lapageria plants such as Copihue should be grown indoors for two years, then transplanted into the garden following the last possible frost of spring.
Ideally. they should be grown individually in a shady part of the garden — though the climate should be warm).
Propagating Lapageria plants
If you require more Copihue plants then cuttings can be taken in either spring or autumn.
Common Questions
How many members does the Lapageria genus have?
The Lapageria genus is monotypic, containing only one species, Lapageria rosea, which is also known as Chilean bellflower or copihue.
Do members of Lapageria make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Lapageria rosea can make a unique and attractive addition to gardens, particularly in hanging baskets or trellises where its vine habit and bell-shaped flowers can be showcased.
Which Lapageria species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Being the sole species, Lapageria rosea (Chilean bellflower) is the one cultivated. It's renowned for its large, bell-shaped flowers and evergreen foliage.
Are members of the Lapageria plant genus fragrant?
While the Lapageria rosea is not particularly known for a strong fragrance, it's valued for its distinct, bell-shaped flowers.
What is the perfect location to grow Lapageria?
Lapageria rosea prefers a sheltered, partially shaded location with rich, well-drained soil. It's not frost-hardy, so in cooler climates, it's best grown in a greenhouse or conservatory.
Is Lapageria invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Currently, Lapageria rosea is not considered invasive in the USA.
How do I remove Lapageria plants from my garden?
If you need to remove a Lapageria plant, you can do so by carefully digging it out, ensuring you remove all roots to prevent it from re-growing.
Summary
The Lapageria genus, belonging to the Philesiaceae family, is native to the cool rainforests of Chile. Known for its large, bell-shaped flowers, the single species in this genus, Lapageria rosea, is Chile's national flower.
Lapageria prefers partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil. Regular watering is necessary for optimal growth. Propagation is typically achieved through seeds or cuttings, generally in the spring or summer.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Lapageria plants. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Magnolia grandiflora, Galanthus plant, and Yucca gloriosa plants.
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