Brazilian Bellflower
Callianthe megapotamica (kal-lee-AN-thee meg-uh-poh-TAY-mih-kuh)
Brazilian bellflower is a showy, deciduous to semi-evergreen, medium-sized, perennial shrub in the mallow family (Malvaceae), native to Brazil. It thrives in subtropical regions and may be grown as an indoor plant or outdoors in a sheltered location. It may reach up to 8 feet tall and has triangular-shaped green leaves and pendulous, bell-shaped, or lantern-like flowers with yellow petals and red calyx. They resemble Chinese lanterns and adorn the shrub with a profusion of blooms from summer until the first frost. This plant requires bright, indirect light, moderate temperatures, and a humid environment. The soil should be loamy, moist, and well-drained. Pruning is recommended in late winter or early spring to maintain the plant's shape and to encourage new growth. You can prune as much as 40 percent of the plant. Remove any spent flowers during the blooming season. Re-potting may be necessary about every 1 to 2 years. During the growing season, it may be propagated by stem cuttings. The Brazilian bellflower is a slender woody shrub that grows up to 5 to 8 feet tall and equally as wide, with graceful arching branches. The leaves are medium green, simple with an elongated triangular shape and cordate base, and serrate margins. The small red and yellow ornamental flowers are pendulous and dangle downwards. The flowers measure 2 inches wide and attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. The Brazilian bellflower is easy to grow and fast-growing. It may be grown in a conservatory or outdoors during the summer in a sheltered location. Consider this plant for a container or hanging basket on your patio or as a bed and border planting. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems : Monitor for whiteflies, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. May be susceptible to honey fungus or viruses. Leggy growth can occur.
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 53 attributes.
How it fits the guild