Philesia magellanica
Magellan austral bellflower
An unusual, evergreen, suckering, sometimes climbing shrub with upright rigid stems which can have a pinkish hue when young and become arching over time. Foliage is narrow and very dark green and thick, waxy, tubular pink flowers, with a flared mouth, appear irregularly in summer through to autumn. Performs well in shady, mossy, rocky areas and will climb around mossy trees
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Philesiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Suckering
- Genus
A genus of just one known species of suckering, evergreen flowering plant, native to South America with narrow, rigid green foliage and crimson-pink, trumpet-shaped flowers appearing in summer to autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Chile, Argentina
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, moist, acidic soil in part, dappled shade and in a sheltered position. Performs best in shady, mossy and rocky areas which remain damp throughout the summer
Propagation
Propagation by suckers or semi-ripe cuttings in summer may not always be successful. Layering of shoots can produce better results
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Rock garden
Pruning
No pruning required. Remove suckers in spring
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, snails, scale insects and red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free but young shoots may be susceptible to fungal diseases
Get involved
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