Canary Island Bellflower
Canarina canariensis is relatively rare in cultivation ind really deserves more attention. It is related o the Campanulas and is a scrambling or climbing plant that grows from a tuber. It is easy to grow in pots as well as in the ground and could easily be grown on a balcony or patio.
It’s one of those plants that surprises you each year when the new growth appears, and when it appears the growth rate isn fast.
The beauty of this pant that is summer dormant, so fairly easy care. It’s when the new growth appears as the weather cools down that the foliage appears and it will then flower in late winter to spring.
Given something to climb on to can quickly reach 2 – 3 metres in height and is grown for the large orange bell shaped flowers that appear in early spring.
The flowers are waxy in appearance and do attract insects and nectar seeking birds tot he garden and the fruits that follow the flowers are an orange colour with red markings especially around the lip of the flower.
How to Grow Canarina canariensis
The Canary Island Bellflower is best grown in a sheltered sunny position in a humus rich well drained soil. It will need protection fo frosts and it is fast growing.
The tubers that allow it to survive over the dry summer period do require very good drainage especially during dormancy otherwise they can rot.
This is a plant that grows in forested areas, so protection from very hot sun in summer will prevent the tubers form drying out. The tubers do need protection from frosts and freezes as well as wet soggy soils, especially in areas of summer rain.
Mulch around the plant to maintain a cool moist root run.
Growing In Pots and Containers
This is an easy plant to grow and flower in pots.
- Choose a large deep pot.
- Use a free draing potting mix.
- Plant the tuber at around 3 inches deep.
- Place the pot vin light dappled shade with some morning sun.
- Water well during active growth.
- Fertilise in spring as new growth appears.
- Allow thw foliage to dieback naturally in late spring.
- Mulch in summer to keep the soil cool.
- Provide some sort of trellis or climbing frame.
Fertiliser and Mulch
A little slow release organic fertiliser applied in late winter is about all thatbthis wonderful little plant requires. Although a layer of mulch applied when the plant dies back in summer is also beneficial.
Canarina canariensis Propagation
Grow from seed planted around 3 mm deep and kept in a warm position. Keep the growing medium moist and provide good light to improve germination rates.
Propagation is also possible and easier by division of the tubers when dormant.
