Mackaya bella
forest bell bush
M. bella is a spreading evergreen shrub to 1.5m tall, with glossy, deep green leaves and racemes of slightly 2-lipped, funnel-shaped pale lilac flowers 5cm across, finely veined with purple
Synonyms
Asystasia bellaBuy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Purple | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple | Green | ||
Autumn | Purple | Green | ||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Mackaya are evergreen shrubs with simple, elliptic leaves and terminal racemes of showy funnel-shaped flowers over a long period from srping to autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp S Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in a loam-based potting compost (JI No2) in bright filtered light, or full light with shade from hot sun. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Prune to restrict growth under glass in late winter
Pests
Glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly may be a problem
Diseases
Generally disease free
Get involved
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