About
Philesia magellanica, the Magellan austral bellflower, is an unusual, evergreen, suckering, sometimes climbing shrub with upright, rigid stems and narrow, very dark-green, thick leaves. Waxy, tubular, deep-pink flowers with a flared mouth appear irregularly from summer to autumn. Excellent in shady, mossy, rocky positions. A rewarding and distinctive shrub for a cool, sheltered, moist garden.
About the genus
Philesia is a genus of one species � a suckering, evergreen flowering plant native to South America with narrow, rigid, dark-green foliage and crimson-pink, trumpet-shaped flowers from summer to autumn.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeSand, Loam
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSuckering
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden
Native toChile, Argentina
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, moist, acidic soil in part, dappled shade and in a sheltered position. Performs best in shady, mossy and rocky areas which remain damp throughout the summer
PruningNo pruning required. Remove suckers in spring
PropagationPropagation by suckers or semi-ripe cuttings in summer may not always be successful. Layering of shoots can produce better results
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, scale insects and red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free but young shoots may be susceptible to fungal diseases