Burchellia

(Burchel'lia)

DESCRIPTION: This is a tender shrub native to South Africa. It will grow about 4 feet tall and produce thick bunches of scarlet flowers that resemble little bells in the spring. Its leaves grow opposite each other and have short leafstalks. This plant can be planted outdoors in mild climates such as that of California, or in greenhouses, elsewhere.

POTTING: Burchellias need a minimum winter temperature of 55 degrees. They should be planted in a soil mixture consisting of equal parts of leaf mold, loam and peat with a good amount of sand added. Repotting should be done in March. Water abundantly in the summer, but moderately throughout the winter.

PROPAGATION: Young shoots can be inserted in pots of sandy peat in April. When they've formed roots they should be potted separately in 3-inch pots and, later, in larger pots. Pinch the tips of the side and main shoots to encourage bushy growth.

VARIETIES: B. capensis.

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