Description
Philesia –
There is a sole species of an evergreen shrub in the Philesiaceae family, in this genus. It occurs in moist forest in Southern Chile. It produces alternate leaves that are leathery, ½-1 ½” long, and lance shaped. Grown for its showy, trumpet shaped flowers, around 2 ½” long, which are borne in mid summer to late autumn. It is suitable for a moist, shady position.
Grow in moderately fertile, humus rich, moist but well drained, acidic soil in partial shade. Does not tolerate hot, dry conditions.
P. magellanica – This erect, suckering shrub or, in mild, moist areas, root climber, from Chile grows as a shrub reaches 3′ feet tall and 6′ feet wide. It produces oblong, rigid, dark green leaves, to 1 ½” long, blue white beneath. From mid summer to late autumn it bears trumpet shaped, waxy, crimson pink flowers, to 2 ½” long, are held singly in the leaf axils.
Zones 7-8
