Canarina Canariensis

Description

Purple shoots extend and grow into branching stems covered with toothy lance shaped leaves which will scramble along the ground or through other plants, or even can be tied to a fence or trellis. Huge and quite tremendous three inch long, gorgeously-marked orange-red bells then open, which are followed by walnut-sized orange fruits! This awesome and very rarely offered campanula relative, is endemic to the cloud forests of the Canary Islands. It needs a hot, well-drained, frost-free position in the garden, or even better, a large container indoors in colder countries.

Sowing Advice

Sow seeds, covering them thinly, preferably in spring but can be at any time, in good light, at between 15 and 20 degrees C. If no germination occurs keep the seed pot in a cool place until the following spring when natural warming should cause germination. Prick out small seedlings into 3 inch/8cm pots containing a John Innes, loam-based compost. Grow on before planting into a large container or sheltered spot outdoors, with climbing support, and be sure to protect them from freezing in winter.

Key Facts