Gloxinia perennis
Canterbury bells
A bushy, tender, rhizomatous perennial to 1.2m, bearing glossy, toothed leaves to 20cm long, suffused red below. From early summer to mid-autumn it produces purple-blue, bell-shaped flowers with violet bases
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple Blue | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Gesneriaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Panama to Peru
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in a humus-rich potting compost in bright indirect light with high humidity. When in growth water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2 or 3 weeks.
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed at 19-24°C in spring, or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil, tarsonemid mite and western flower thrips
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
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