Lapageria rosea

The national flower of Chile, where it is known as Copihue. The long-lasting, waxen blooms are very heavy in texture, and are most often (in cultivation) bright watermelon red, heavily overlayed with a darker netting - sometimes giving the flowers a checkered appearance, though all shades from white through pink, apricot and dark red are also popular, though lesser known in cultivation. The vines are laden with leathery, evergreen foliage and may attain heights of 10-feet or more, with an equal spread; blooming profusely late summer through fall. In their homeland, they are cut and sold in bunches along the roadside and at markets. The fruits, sweet and tender, are called 'cucumbers', are edible and have a most agreeable flavour.

Lapagerias prefer bright shade and cool, moist conditions with rather rich and loamy soil. Excellent for mild coastal climates where winters are not too harsh, needing protection from hard frost, or to be grown in large containers that may be moved to protection in the winter. Avoid dry heat and drought. Be sure to provide the plant with support on which it will self-twine. (Generally does well in climates where rhododendrons thrive.)

Propagation: From seed; stratify if sowing indoors. Seed does not store well; sow as soon as possible.