Lapageria

The genus Lapageria consists of a single species, Lapageria rosea. This is a very decorative shrub, from which numerous garden forms and varieties are obtained. Evergreen climbing liana (with a very elongated lignified stem that twists around itself) with ovate-lanceolate or lanceolate leathery dark green leaves with a heart-shaped base and bell-shaped waxy drooping carmine-pink flowers, 7-8 cm long, single or collected in apical racemes of 2-3, bloom in late spring. The height of plants reaches 4-5 m, and in nature they grow up to 10 m. Lapageria of the 'White-flowered' variety with whitish flowers; 'Variegated white-flowered' with white flowers with pink stripes; 'Magnificent' with large flowers of a more intense color than that of the botanical species.

The genus Lapageria consists of a single species, Lapageria rosea. This is a very decorative shrub, from which numerous garden forms and varieties are obtained. Evergreen climbing liana (with a very elongated lignified stem that twists around itself) with ovate-lanceolate or lanceolate leathery dark green leaves with a heart-shaped base and bell-shaped waxy drooping carmine-pink flowers, 7-8 cm long, single or collected in apical racemes of 2-3, bloom in late spring. The height of plants reaches 4-5 m, and in nature they grow up to 10 m. Lapageria of the 'White-flowered' variety with whitish flowers; 'Variegated white-flowered' with white flowers with pink stripes; 'Magnificent' with large flowers of a more intense color than that of the botanical species.

Cultivation

Plants of the genus Lapageria are grown in the open ground only in warm climates. In moderately cold climates, they are grown in large pots and vases (in bad seasons, they are removed to the house) on balconies and terraces. If the soil is not acidic enough (the optimal pH value is 5.5-6.5), then peat is added. Plants require supports made of metal wire. For growing in large (20-30 cm diameter) pots, it is optimal to prepare a soil mixture from garden land (1/3). peat (1/3) and leaf humus (1/3), with the addition of sand. In spring and summer, once every 15-20 days, a complex mineral fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation in the amount of 10-20 g per bucket. At the end of winter, the most frail branches are cut off.

Plants of the genus Lapageria are grown in the open ground only in warm climates. In moderately cold climates, they are grown in large pots and vases (in bad seasons, they are removed to the house) on balconies and terraces. If the soil is not acidic enough (the optimal pH value is 5.5-6.5), then peat is added. Plants require supports made of metal wire. For growing in large (20-30 cm diameter) pots, it is optimal to prepare a soil mixture from garden land (1/3). peat (1/3) and leaf humus (1/3), with the addition of sand. In spring and summer, once every 15-20 days, a complex mineral fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation in the amount of 10-20 g per bucket. At the end of winter, the most frail branches are cut off.

Location

In summer, plants are placed in partial shade, in a place protected from the cold wind, in winter - with good lighting.

Temperature

Plants of the genus Lapageria do not tolerate temperatures below 1-2 °C. In winter, the minimum temperature is 7 °C.

Watering

Water frequently and regularly (the ground around the root system should always be moist), but without stagnation of water in the soil. In winter, watering is absolutely insignificant.

Transplant

Transplanted in the spring, once every 2-3 years, as long as the size of the pot allows. Then it is enough just to replace the surface layer of soil.

Reproduction

Usually resort to cuttings, which allows you to preserve the properties of varieties. Cuttings are taken in the summer and planted in a substrate in a closed room at a temperature of 16-18 °C. Next spring, they are planted on a permanent landing site. Plants can also be easily propagated in layers (in April or October), digging in the lowest lashes, which are separated after 2 years.

Diseases

If the pH value of the soil is too high, plants develop chlorosis, which causes yellowing and slowing down of development. In this case, iron chelates are added. If the ground is too dense, the roots often rot.

Acquisition

In flower nurseries, you can buy seedlings in multi-seat cassettes or pots, obtained by vegetative propagation.