Plant Notes

PLANT OF THE MONTH: May 2006 Cantua buxifolia (the National Flower of Bolivia)             At the May meeting of the Western Horticultural Society two members brought flowing sprays of Cantua buxifolia (Polemoniaceae), known as "Chilean Bellflower" or "Sacred Flower of the Incas", which gives you an idea of the exotic beauty of this plant.

Copyright Annie's Annuals & Perennials

            Long-tubed, pendant flowers up to 3 in. long, the tubes pink or purple, the flaring lobes scarlet are held in clusters at the ends of the branches. The shrub is erect though the branches may descend irregularly. The elliptic leaves resemble those of the box, hence the name. This plant grows to 7+ feet in the San Francisco Bay area. Keep it pruned and if necessary stake and tie. Give it water once a week, good light soil and a half day of sun. It blooms late Spring /Summer. This shrub has a reputation of needing a long maturation before it will bloom. For one of our members this was 4 years from the planting of the original small plant. Best in Sunset zones 16-24.

This plant is currently available from Annie's Annuals.