Chilean Bellflower Plant Care

Chilean Bellflower (Jovellana violacea) belongs to the Calceolariaceae family within the Jovellana genus. Chilean Bellflower is native to Chile. Chilean Bellflower is also known as Violet Chilean Bellflower.

Chilean Bellflower displays a compact, mounding habit growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Chilean Bellflower produces small, tubular flowers in shades of yellow, orange, or red.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chilean Bellflower every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Chilean Bellflower thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Chilean Bellflower in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Jovellana violacea tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Chilean Bellflower prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Chilean Bellflower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chilean Bellflower every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chilean Bellflower is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Chilean Bellflower can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Chilean Bellflower while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Chilean Bellflower is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chilean Bellflower can be propagated through softwood cuttings, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to jovellana plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Chilean Bellflower is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Chilean Bellflower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Chilean Bellflower is native to Chile. In cooler regions, grow Chilean Bellflower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.