Canary Bellflower

canarina canariensis

Also known as: ["Canary Islands Bellflower","Canary Bellflower"]

Family: Bignoniaceae Genus: Canarina Category: Flowers

Overview

A climbing vine native to the Canary Islands, known for its bell-shaped, orange-red flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Bignoniaceae
Genus: Canarina
Botanical Name: Canarina canariensis

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or sheltered outdoor spot
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–25°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days in dry indoor environments, rarely needed outdoors
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light; protect from intense sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to filtered sunlight

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure proper drainage; adjust based on season and humidity.

Soil

well-draining, loamy, slightly acidic potting mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; top-dress with fresh mix annually.

Temperature

Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerates 50–85°F (10–29°C); avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.

Avoid drafty areas; maintain stable temperatures; protect from extreme heat or cold.

Fertilizing

every 2 weeks during growing season (spring to summer), none in winter

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in spring or early summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and humid.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic wrap or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushiness; cut just above a leaf node or bud.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or leggy growth to encourage bushier form and better flowering.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead/leggy stems; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; promotes growth and prevents root-bound issues.

Checklist

Check root boundness; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; allow soil to dry between waterings.

Pro Tip: Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite, coarse sand, or orchid bark to improve aeration and drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, or stunted growth; buds may fail to open in extreme conditions.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; reduce watering in cool conditions.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or leaf drop due to excessive heat and dryness.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but ensure drainage; use shade cloth if outdoors.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Canarina canariensis may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as mealybugs, which disrupt chlorophyll production and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Canarina canariensis can be caused by water stress, either due to underwatering or overwatering, leading to root damage and impaired water uptake.

Leaf spots on Canarina canariensis may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, resulting in unsightly lesions and potentially reduced photosynthetic efficiency.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Canarina canariensis due to excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Canarina canariensis is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

Not applicable

No special precautions are required for cats around this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Canarina canariensis is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

Not applicable

No special precautions are required for dogs around this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Canarina canariensis is not known to be toxic to humans. It has no reported adverse effects on human health.

⚡ Toxic If:

Not applicable

No special precautions are required for human handling or consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I water Canarina canariensis?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Q: Does Canarina canariensis require full sun?

A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun, but protection from intense afternoon sun is recommended.

Q: Is Canarina canariensis suitable for indoor cultivation?

A: It is primarily an outdoor plant, but can be grown indoors with adequate light and support.

Quick Reference
Family: Bignoniaceae
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade to filtered sunl
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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