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Conservatory Greenhouse

Mackaya bella

forest bell bush

A spreading evergreen shrub to 1.5m tall, with glossy, deep green leaves and racemes of slightly 2-lipped, funnel-shaped pale lilac flowers 5cm across, finely veined with purple

Synonyms
Asystasia bella
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Purple Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Acanthaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Mackaya are evergreen shrubs with simple, elliptic leaves and terminal racemes of showy funnel-shaped flowers over a long period from srping to autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Temp S Africa

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright filtered light, or full light with shade from hot sun. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

Prune to restrict growth under glass in late winter

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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