Chilean Bellflower is one of the genuinely beautiful subtropical fruit bearing plants (vines). It's regarded by a lot to be one of the most exquisite flowering vines in the whole world. The Chilean Bellflower is also the national flower of Chile. Quiet uncommon in cultivation it is found wild in Chile and Peru.

This versatile plant is a twisting and hiding vine, hardy to some frost and does best in a cooler, subtropical-like climate. It forms low, spreading clusters, 10 to 20 cm in height. Leaves are oval, up to 4 cm long, shiny, heart-shaped, thick and robust.

Their 5-lobed, bell formed, bright flowers are light or dark blue with a white throat; they grow up to 4 cm across. The flowers might look fragile, but they are amazingly thick and lasting, frequently last for weeks on the vine! The vine produces fruit that is edible and has a sweet and juicy flesh.

The Chilean Bellflower is suitable for cultivation near the ocean, since in its native environment it is found in coastal zones. The vine likes light, well-drained soil. If the soil requires fertilizer, a bit of well-decayed manure should be combined into the soil in the spring time. It needs a sunny, open spot.

Propagation is by seeds and they might be started indoors at a 22Cº, 6 to 8 weeks before plant outdoors. The seeds need light constantly to germinate. They might also be planted outdoors where they are to grow and blossom when the soil is warm. When the seedlings are 2 cm tall, they should be thinned to 10 cm apart.

chilean bellflower, Lapageria rosea

Interested on Fruit and Nut Bearing Trees and Plants? Stay Tuned. There is Much More to Come.

The key to successful fruit and nut production is the provision of a beneficial environment for the trees that bear them.