Nolana, also known as Chilean or Peruvian Bellflowers, offers vibrant, bell-shaped blooms that add color and texture to gardens. Their ease of growth and distinctive appearance make them a favored choice.
Discovering Nolana
The Nolana genus belongs to the nightshade family, Solanaceae. These plants are characterized by their open-faced, trumpet-shaped flowers, which often resemble miniature morning glories. While the most commonly cultivated species, Nolana paradoxa, is known for its striking blue to violet flowers, varieties with white or pink blooms also exist.
Nolana typically exhibits a low-growing, sprawling, or mounding habit, making it an excellent choice for groundcovers, rock gardens, and containers where its stems and flowers can cascade. Originating from the arid coastal regions of Chile and Peru, Nolana thrives in hot, dry conditions. This native environment has equipped the plant with natural drought tolerance and an ability to flourish in challenging sites, including seaside conditions.
Planting and Growing Nolana
Planting Methods
Starting Nolana is typically done from seed. Seeds can be sown directly outdoors in spring once the soil temperature reaches at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit, or after the last frost has passed. For an earlier start, sow seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost date.
Lightly cover seeds with about 0.5 cm of soil, as they need light to germinate. Mist the seeds regularly to maintain consistent moisture. Germination usually occurs within 7 to 14 days at temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once seedlings emerge, provide ample light to prevent them from becoming leggy. Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, spacing them 12 to 18 inches apart.
Light Requirements
Nolana performs best in full sun, requiring at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. While it can tolerate partial shade, insufficient light will result in reduced blooming and may increase the plant’s susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Soil Needs
Well-drained soil is essential for Nolana, given its origins in sandy, arid environments and its susceptibility to root rot in overly moist conditions. It thrives in sandy or loamy soil and can even tolerate poor, dry, or gravelly soils. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is suitable. When planting in containers, ensure pots have large drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix.
Watering Practices
Once established, Nolana is remarkably drought-tolerant, reflecting its adaptation to arid climates. During initial growth, maintain lightly moist soil until plants show healthy new growth. After establishment, supplemental irrigation is rarely needed unless there are prolonged dry spells. If the plant appears wilted, a light watering can be beneficial. For container-grown plants, more frequent watering may be necessary as soil in pots tends to dry out faster.
Temperature and Climate
Nolana prefers warm, frost-free climates and is typically grown as an annual in regions prone to frost. In USDA Zones 9 and 10, it can behave as a perennial. While generally tolerant of humidity, ensuring good air circulation in hot, humid summers can help prevent fungal diseases.
Essential Nolana Care
Fertilizing
Nolana has minimal fertilization needs and can bloom profusely even in nutrient-poor soils. If soil quality is exceptionally poor, a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season may encourage robust growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms and may increase susceptibility to issues.
Pruning and Deadheading
While Nolana does not strictly require pruning during the growing season, light trimming can help maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Pinching the growing tips when plants are young, around 3 to 4 inches tall, can promote branching. Deadheading, the removal of spent flowers, is not always necessary to extend the bloom period for Nolana, but it can encourage continuous flowering and maintain a tidy appearance.
General Maintenance
Routine care for Nolana includes keeping the area around the plants free of weeds, which compete for moisture and nutrients. Applying a layer of mulch can help suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture, particularly beneficial in hotter climates. Monitoring the plant’s overall vigor and promptly addressing any signs of distress can help maintain its health.
Multiplying Your Nolana Plants
Propagating from Seed
Propagating Nolana from seed is a common and effective method. Begin by collecting mature seeds from dried flower capsules after the blooms fade. Sow seeds in late winter or early spring in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Maintain a consistent soil temperature of 65-70°F and ensure the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs within 2 to 3 weeks, and once seedlings develop a few true leaves, they can be transplanted.
Propagating from Cuttings
Propagating Nolana from cuttings offers a quicker way to establish new plants and can help preserve specific plant traits. The optimal time for taking cuttings is during the plant’s active growing season, generally in spring or early summer.
Select a healthy, non-flowering stem, ideally around 3-4 inches in length. Remove the lower leaves, leaving a few at the top. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone powder can encourage faster root development, though it is not always essential. Plant the prepared cutting in a well-draining potting mix, burying the bottom node. Keep the soil consistently moist, and roots should develop within a few weeks.
Troubleshooting Nolana Issues
Pests
Nolana is generally resistant to many common pests, but occasional infestations can occur. Aphids and spider mites are among the pests that might affect Nolana. For aphid control, a strong stream of water can dislodge them from the plant foliage. Insecticidal soap can be applied for more severe infestations. Maintaining good air circulation around the plants can also help deter pest problems.
Diseases
Proper care practices can help prevent most diseases in Nolana. Root rot is a common issue, primarily caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Ensuring the soil dries out between waterings and providing excellent drainage are key preventative measures. In hot and humid conditions, fungal diseases like powdery mildew can become a concern. Adequate spacing between plants to promote good air circulation can help mitigate the risk of fungal infections.
Environmental Stressors
Several environmental factors can impact the health and blooming of Nolana. Wilting can indicate either underwatering or overwatering; checking the soil moisture level is important to determine the cause. If the soil is dry, the plant needs water, but if it is waterlogged, it suggests overwatering and poor drainage.
A lack of blooms can stem from insufficient sunlight, as Nolana requires full sun for abundant flowering. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly if the soil is extremely poor, might also contribute to reduced flowering, though Nolana generally has low nutrient requirements.
Stunted growth can result from inadequate light, poor soil conditions, or improper watering. Addressing these environmental factors by providing full sun, well-draining soil, and appropriate watering can help the plant recover and thrive.