These are small, yet spectacular flowering shrub, Isoplexis have flowers rise well above the foliage in spring to summer adding a little height to the garden border.
With a long flowering period late spring through summer Isoplexis caneriensis really add a great splash of colour to the border. Upright apricot flower spikes that look like a foxglove. I. canariensis is a bushy evergreen shrub to 1m.
Not widely grown yet well suited to our gardens, Isoplexis are from the Canary Islands and the four species all have brilliant flowers.
Isoplexis Varieties
- I. caneriensis (pictured right) is readily available and the most widely grown species.
- I. isabelliana is a species with red flowers on a terminal flower spike..
- I. sceptrum is worth searching for as it is reputed to be a more hardy variety, broader leaves and pale almost creamy flowers. This is a great shade plant, attractive flowers and good foliage.
Isoplexis Care
Isoplexis enjoy a humus rich well drained soil, partial shade and moist soil.
All species grow well in full sun to part shade and all require protection from frosts. Flowering in summer a little additional water in long dry spells may be required, mulching around plants is usually sufficient.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Isoplexis
- Common Names – Canary Island Foxglove
- Country of Origin – Canary Islans
- Climate Zones – Warm to temperate.
- Position – Full sun to part shade
- Soil – Well drained humus rich.
- Height – Generally to around 1 to 1.5 metres.
- Spread – Will spread to .5 metres..
- Growth Rate – Medium to Fast
- Foliage – Mid to Pale Green.
- Flowers – Orange, Red or Cream depending on the species
- Flowering Time – Mainly in summer
- Frost tolerant – No
- Drought tolerant – Medium
Available for sale from the following nurseries
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
email ask@plantmark.com.au
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au
1750 Westernport Rd Heath Hill VIC 3981
Australias largest grower of semi advanced native and deciduous trees. .9 - 2.6mts high. Supplying councils, developers and landscapers. Includes Acacia implexa, acacia melanoxlylon.
www.dream-time.com.au