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Canterbury Bells Gloxinia perennis

Other Common Name(s):

Other plants called Canterbury Bells:

Previously known as:

  • Gloxinia maculata
Phonetic Spelling
gloks-IN-ee-uh per-EN-is
Description

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.

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#heat tolerant#houseplant#purple flowers#tubular flowers#herbaceous perennial#attractive leaves#long bloom time#rhizomatous#humidity tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#heat tolerant#houseplant#purple flowers#tubular flowers#herbaceous perennial#attractive leaves#long bloom time#rhizomatous#humidity tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Gloxinia
    Species:
    perennis
    Family:
    Gesneriaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    South America
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    oval capsules with tiny seeds
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Blue, lavender or purple tubular flowers in clusters. They are tubular with 5 flared petals and 1.5 inches long. Blooms early summer to late fall.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Velvety
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Sinuate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Velvety green oval leaves with prominent venation and scalloped margins grow up to 8 inches long
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    Mottled green and red stems arise from the tubers
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Patio
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Heat
    Humidity