Chilian Bells

Seldom seen for sale it is worth a grow and is bound to draw a lot of comment when in bloom. Jovellana are pretty self sufficient and quick to establish.

If you're looking for something different to try in your garden, you won't regret having a go with this small and charming, semi-evergreen shrub. Especially pretty shrub with small, jagged, ovate leaves that look like a little Christmas tree. In late spring and summer, you will be in awe of the masses of delightful tiny two lipped pale-lilac flowers with a splash and gold and deep-purple markings. Each bloom grows to around 1.5cm across and they mass together in corymbs almost engulfing the bush. They make a lovely addition to cut flower arrangements too.

Plant in full sun to semi shade in moderately fertile to humus rich, well drained soil. Protect from harsh frosts, especially whilst establishing. Water in well, it takes plants 4-6 weeks of regular watering for their roots to penetrate the surrounding soil. Jovellana violaceae hails from Chile where it grows along streams, so the extra water while settling in is beneficial, we have found they are quite dry tolerant once established though.

Jovellana is commonly known as the Teacup Flower, Violet Teacup Flower and Chilean Bells.