Lapageriæ
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Lapageria Rosea, or Chilean Bellflower, locally known as copihue, kopiwe or kolkopiw, is Chile's emblematic flower, and a symbol most dear both to the native and republican traditions.
Laden with symbolism, profusely celebrated in the country’s rich cultural tradition as design, motif, or pattern, the only species in the genus Lapageriæ was first described and collected by Spanish naturalists Ruiz and Pavón in 1780, who, seeking the favor of their French imperial patrons, named the flower in honor of Josephine de Lapagerie, later to become Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Lapageria var. "Fresia"
This perennial climber likes to keep its roots in the cool, moist shade of Southern Chile’s temperate rainforests and grow towards the sunny canopy attached to big trees, exceeding 10 meters in height. Its elongated, bell-shaped flowers, thick and waxy, can form hanging clusters of 6 or more flowers in adult plants.
Its bell-shaped flowers, elongated, thick and waxy, measure between 7 and 10 cm and can form clusters of 6 or more flowers in adult plants. The flower typically has 6 petals, three external and three internal, and is polinized by hummingbirds and flies. Flower colors may vary from intense red, to white with hues of pink and different combinations. Our collection has unique varieties where green, red, and white colors are combined in one flower.
How to Cultivate Lapageriæ from seeds.
The following tips are the result of 50 years and 3 generations' experience cultivating Lapageriae in Chile's Central Area, thousands of Kilometers north of their natural habitat.
Lapageriæ are ideally propagated from seeds, since the reproduction by scions or cuttings result in less vigorous plants prone to develop degenerative conditions. In contrast, plants propagated by seeds have demonstrated being better at adapting to conditions different from their natural habitat.
Therefore, the main advice we can share to enthusiasts of this flower is be patient and persistent, and let nature do its work. Growth is very slow at the beginning, with no flowering for the first 5 to 7 years, some of the initial interest gets lost, and plants get less attention precisely in their most critical stage. If everything goes well, the first flowering will occur after the fifth year, and from then on the cares provided will be rewarded with two flowering seasons each year that will only get more spectacular. Some 15-year plants can produce more than 50 flowers each season.
The seeds can be planted at any time. They just have to be fresh.
Before sowing:
- Soak the seeds in water for 4 hours or overnight. If the seeds are from fresh, ripe fruits, remove the antigerminative tissue with a piece of paper towel.
- Prepare a biug planter, at least 10 cm deep with good drainage. fill with black organic soil.
Sowing:
- Place the seeds 1 cm apart and cover with 2 cm sifted organic soil.
- Once the seedlings have germinated, they can be protected from birds and insects by placing a net or mesh over the planter.
- During dry season water regularly at least twice a day. Avoid excessive light and especially heat.
- Plants should remain in their planters as long as possible. Only after they start to develop new growth thay can be placed in a definitive location.
- No pesticides are needed, but some nutrients may be added to improve the soil. We use fertilizers based on iron sulfates, phosphates, and potassium. Urea and Sulfur can also be added in small quantities to add nitrogen control pests.
As a general rule, Lapageriæ prefer a morning sun orientation, and fare better if they are not moved from their location. Once placed in the ground, adult plants cannot be replanted.
If you have any questions or want to share your experiences, please write. We commit to replying all mail, eventually. [email protected]