PlantFiles: Austral Bellflower, Coicopihue, Coicopiu
Philesia magellanica

The natural habitat of this beautiful plant is the Chilean Rainforest (also found in Argentina). Since it grows under the protection of the tree-canopies, it does not get frost. If grown as a shrub, the plant will reach approx. 1 m height (3'). If the plant has the support of a tree, it will climb to a maximum of 5 m.

This plant can be propagated by cuttings and by seeds.

Seeds: In Autumn, stratify seeds in a mixture of compost (1 portion), volcanic sand (1/2 portion), and acid soil. Germination rate is 30%. Plants will bloom on the third year.

Cuttings: late Spring/early Summer in a cold bed will grant some 50% success. During Winter, using cross-shaped cuttings, in cold bed grant a 70% result.

These plants reach 1 m height in approximately 5 years. They require soils with very high content of organic nutrients and high atmospherical humidity.

Little-known cousin to the Chilean Bellflower (Lapageria rosea). The flowers are almost the same size as Lapageria (about 2"), and it supposedly can hybridize with it. Comes from southern Chile, so it probably can take some frost.