Lapageria rosea 'Toqui' (TOE-key)

New in my collection, this plant has large white flowers. Like  all Lapageria it 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.
'Toqui' in the Mauche Indian language means chief and this cultivar's name in Spanish is "Jefe de caciques." It has the largest flowers of any of the whites on a strong growing plant. This was one of the plants from El Vergel. Mine came from Berkeley and I am grateful for the use of their picture.