LAPAGERIA rosea

Evergreen - ovate, dark-green leaves to 12cm (5in) long.

Shades of pink - All shades of pink through to Carmine (red)

Height - 5m (16ft)

Climber - Some of these climbing plants will need trellis or wire supports if grown on walls or fences. Other grow aerial roots and are self-clinging - twining climber which spreads slowly by suckers. Produces fleshy flowers singly or in twos or threes in the upper leaf axils.

Will grow outside in milder locations - This could include plants which would survive happily in a greenhouse or conservatory if not in a mild location. If you have a sheltered spot in your garden then it may do well here. - if growing in greenhouse - ericaceous compost , added sharp sand, filtered light. Will not tolerate long periods of sunshine.

Against a wall

Partial shade - shelter from cold drying winds in frosty areas.

Additional Features - Good to know - - a mid 1840s introduction by Cornish plant hunter William Lobb (1809-1864).

Pests & Diseases - aphids, scale, mealybugs and thrips may be a problem particularly in the greenhouse

Place of origin - Chile

Flower Shape - Bell/Lantern - - oblong-bell-shaped to 9cm (3½in) long

Garden Location/Conditions - Greenhouse / conservatory - Not the sort of plants to be grown outside where there are likely to be frosts. These plants need to be grown in a conservatory or cool greenhouse or at least brought inside for the winter

Hardiness - Frost hardy (down to -5) -

Pruning group - Pruning group 6
Suitable for: Evergreen shrubs or climbers that need little to no pruning.
Action: Trim back shoots that spoil symmetry and to fit available space.
When: Annually after flowering if on previous year's growth, or in later Winter or Spring if flowering on current year's growth, or as requires.

RHS group 9 & 11

Seasonal Interest - Autumn -

Summer

Soil Conditions - Fertile moist well-drained soil - - humus-rich.

Neutral to acid soil