Canarina

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Canarina is found in several countries of Africa but the relict species Canarina canariensis is found only on the Canary Islands. Many of the islands are sunny and dry, but traces of forest remain at higher altitudes. In these Tertiary forests, in the cloud belt, a moist and frost-free zone still exists and it is here that Canarina grows.

The growth springs from fleshy tubers and it is annual in its duration, dying back to these in summer.

Growth can start as early as August, when small pink shoots elongate. These eventually form a 2m plant. This can climb or tumble according to how you grow it - in habitat it scrambles through adjacent plants. Cultivation is best in a large pot in a very humus-rich soil, if you want increase in size and good flowering then do ensure that the plants do not overheat, do not get dry and have ample humidity. In winter ensure freedom from frost but cool, even temperatures. Finally this is not a CITES plant - there is no record of it in the CITES database.

Order from Autumn list only.

Canarina canariensis

The Canary Island Bellflower is a most unusual, new plant for us. Part of the Campanulaceae it is a deciduous, tuberous plant reaching up to 200cm tall. It is a scrambling plant which is equally happy hanging unsupported over a trough or high bed.

It likes full sun in an open soil with lots of humus. The frost-sensitive top growth may need some protection, since the plant flowers so early in spring, that ‘late winter’ is more appropriate. Avoid high temperatures early in the year as this will cause the plants to think summer has come and go prematurely dormant. The summer rest, by the way, is best if not too dry, they enjoy a little summer water.

A little fussy and frustratingly slow from seed, but when you see the flowers all the effort is worth it! Large flaring 7cm bells of red-orange which on closer examination can be seen to have intricate and intense, dark red tracery.

A native of the Canary Islands where it grows at high altitudes in the cloud belt. Lots of clues there for cultivation!

Picture Wouter Hagens with thanks


Canarina canariensiscancancan	£11.50
Cultivated tubers, less than flowering size. Large view