Canterbury-Bell Gloxinia perennis

Canterbury Bells is a herbaceous perennial native to South America in the Gesneriaceae family. The Genus is in honor of the German physician and botany writer, Benjamin Peter Gloxin. The species' name is Latin for perennial. This plant spreads by rhizomes and sends up 2-6 foot stems of flowers during the summer. It can be grown outdoors in tropical areas but as a house plant elsewhere. It doesn't get as large in a pot. It will naturalize in tropical areas.

The flowers are on mottled red stems and grow in racemes-like clusters. The violet, blue or purple flowers have a mint fragrance, are 1.5 inches long and tubular in shape with 5 flared petals. The foliage is attractive also with large scalloped velvety leaves. They are tolerant of heat and humidity.

Grow this plant in well-drained but fertile soil and provide adequate water and fertilizer. Provide part shade and protect from cold temperatures Deadhead the spent blooms to encourage additional flowering.

It attracts pollinators by producing  "perfume" droplets at the base of the corolla that the bees then collect and use in the mating process.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Gloxinias in general are susceptible to Botrytis Blight, Foliar Nematode, Myrothecium Rot, Phytophthora Crown Rot, Pythium Root Rot and viruses.