Family: Acanthaceae

From South Africa, this beautiful, evergreen shrub is prized for its clusters of lovely, hell-shaped flowers that bloom from spring to autumn. The large flowers are delicately coloured in pale lilac with dark red veining on each lobe. The oval, pointed leaves are a glossy, dark green.

Species

M. bella is the only species, and it grows to a height of 2 m (6 ft). Upright at first, it may eventually spread to 1.5 m (5 ft) or more. It makes a good conservatory or greenhouse plant.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, grow in an intermediate greenhouse or conservatory in a pot of soil-based potting compost, with maximum light, but shade from direct sun. Outdoors, choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained, slightly acid or neutral soil (slightly alkaline soil is also suitable). Prune lightly in spring to maintain a shapely plant. Propagate from seed in spring or from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, both with basal warmth.

Climate

Warmest parts of zone 9, or zone 10.