Strobilanthes hamiltoniana (Chinese Rain Bells, Temple Bells)
Botanical Information
Family | Acanthaceae |
Genus | Strobilanthes |
Species | hamiltoniana |
Synonyms | Strobilanthes colorata, Ruellia hamiltoniana. |
Category | Perennials, Tropicals |
Origin | Chinese Rain Bell originates from the warm temperate to subtropical regions of the Himalayas, Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand. |
Details
USDA Hardiness Zone | 9 - 11 |
USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cold season protection under glass. |
Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
RHS Hardiness Zone | H1c - H3 |
RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
Temperature (°C) | -1 - 10 |
Temperature (°F) | 35 - 50 |
Height | 2 m |
Growth | Medium |
Flowering Period | January, October, November, December |
Description and Growing Information
General Description | A perennial plant that grows about to 2 to 4 metres tall. |
ID Characteristic | It is identified by the much branched, diffuse inflorescences bearing purple flowers, and the secondary veins which protrude from the leaf surface. |
Propagation | This plant is propagated easily by cuttings. |
Cultivation | Grows well in a partly shaded, moist, well-drained soil. Needs to be cut back in early spring. |
Notable Specimens | Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United State of America. |
Leaf Description | Glossy green leaves are up to 15 cm long, drooping with distinctive rib-like veins and edges. |
Flower Description | Showy, pink, tubular flowers are produced on stalks above the foliage in late autumn and early winter; ending at the first freeze. |
Photographs
![Strobilanthes hamiltoniana, form, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America. Strobilanthes hamiltoniana, form, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.](photos/Strobilanthes-hamiltoniana-bt-frm1.jpg)
Strobilanthes hamiltoniana, form, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.
![](photos/Strobilanthes-hamiltoniana-bt-flw1.jpg)
![Strobilanthes hamiltoniana, flower, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America. Strobilanthes hamiltoniana, flower, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.](photos/Strobilanthes-hamiltoniana-bt-flw2.jpg)
Strobilanthes hamiltoniana, flower, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.
![](photos/Strobilanthes-hamiltoniana-bt-flw3.jpg)
![Strobilanthes hamiltoniana, flower head, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America. Strobilanthes hamiltoniana, flower head, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.](photos/Strobilanthes-hamiltoniana-bt-flw3.jpg)
Strobilanthes hamiltoniana, flower head, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.
![Strobilanthes hamiltoniana, flower, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America. Strobilanthes hamiltoniana, flower, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.](photos/Strobilanthes-hamiltoniana-bt-flw1.jpg)
Strobilanthes hamiltoniana, flower, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.