Lapageria rosea 'Contulmo' (cone-TOOL-mow)

New in 2007 to my collection this has deep red flowers. Like all Lapageria needs cool moist acid soil in shade, absolutely hates direct sun for any length of time, although the top of the plant will be happy if the lower part is shaded. The flowers are waxy bells and it is in flower from July through to March. Due to its flowering period and the fact that new growth can be frost damaged it needs a sheltered wall (min -4c) or grow it down the shady end of the conservatory.
The species comes from Chile; the majority of wild plants have cherry red flowers with occasional pale pinks and whites. Introduced around 1847.
The cultivar Lapageria 'Contulmo'  came to the El Vergel (ell Vur-HELL) nursery  in Chile from the Grollmuss family who had discovered it on their farm near the town of Contulmo, beside Lake Lanalhue.  Referred to by many as "Sangre de Toro" (oxblood) My plant came from Berkeley Botanic Garden California and I am grateful to them for the picture