Lapageria ROSEA

Lapageria ROSEA - Chilean bellflower, Chilean cucumber, Lapageria rosea.

Lapageria is a monotypic genus of handsome-flowering evergreen vines in the family Philesiaceae. In nature, it occurs only in moist tropical forests on the western slopes of the Andes. For the people of Chile, it is a beloved flower that has become the national symbol.

Vines with dense leathery leaves and nodding flowers, reaching a height of 10 m (33 ft) in nature, have heavily branched stems twining around surrounding vegetation. The color of the bark is gray-green with a glaucous hue. The lower shoots, descending to the ground, produce roots and grow into the soil; thus the vine can "step" and spread further through the jungle.

The flowers are solitary, large, up to 10 cm (4 in) long, bell-shaped. Six dense petals, fused at the base, grow in two rows. The color is crimson or pink with light delicate speckling, but there are rare varieties with white flowers. The fruits resemble small juicy cucumber gherkins, edible at a young stage, with a pleasant refreshing taste.

Lapageria rosea is the only species in the genus. It is grown as an ornamental plant. Vines usually reach a height of 3-4 m (10-13 ft). The leaf is up to 6 cm (2.4 in) long, lanceolate, with a very dense leathery structure. The flower is nodding, carmine-red, up to 6 cm (2.4 in) long.

The primary method of propagation is by seeds. After preliminary soaking for several days, sowing is carried out into pots with peat, 2-3 seeds per pot. Germination temperature is around 20 °C (68 °F). Frequent ventilation and watering as needed are required.

Seeds germinate in 1-1.5 months. As soon as sprouts appear, the bag must be removed. Upon the emergence of the first pair of true leaves, seedlings are pricked out into separate pots. They develop slowly and flower only in the 4th year after sowing.

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A spacious container is chosen for lapageria. In summer, pots are placed outdoors in partial shade, where direct sunlight on the leaves is excluded. In autumn, in September, containers with the plant are brought indoors. Growing temperature in winter is not less than 7 °C (45 °F) at night and 12-13 °C (54-55 °F) during the day. In summer, the temperature can be any, provided frequent and abundant misting is supplied.

Loose, fertile soil with a high humus content and a slightly acidic reaction is suitable. To provide the plant with nutrients, repotting into a larger container is carried out every year. The substrate is completely renewed in the process.

Watering is carried out once a week and only with soft well water or rainwater; the plant does not tolerate excess calcium. Daily spraying is mandatory, but getting large amounts of moisture on flowers must be avoided.