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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Acanthaceae (Acanthus¹) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Light Lavender |
| Bloomtime: Spring |
| Height: 6-10 feet |
| Width: 6-8 feet |
| Exposure: Shade |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Mackaya bella (Forest Bell Bush) - This upright-dense growing evergreen shrub grows up to 6-8 feet tall or more with oppositely arranged 4 to 5 inch long glossy slender elliptically shaped dark green leaves that have wavy margins and prominent midrib and veins on the lower surface. In mid-spring to early summer appear the beautiful clusters of 2 inch long trumpet-shaped pale lavender flowers with the throats having pronounced deep purple veins. Plant in partial sun to dense shade in well-draining soil and give regular to occasional irrigation. It is hardy to about 20 degrees F. Can be pruned hard to control size and shape. It is a nice addition to a tropical-looking garden as a specimen plant or for use as an informal hedge and can be trimmed up as a small tree. The genus Mackaya was named after James Townsend Mackay, author of Flora Hibernica and the specific epithet 'bella' is Latin for "beautiful" in reference to its attractive flowers. It occurs naturally in forests and along streams in the Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal, Swaziland and Northern Province of South Africa.
The information on this page is based on research conducted in our nursery library and from online sources as well as from observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery's garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We have also incorporated comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information, particularly if this information is contrary to what we have written or includes additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Mackaya bella.
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