Nolana, also called Chilean bellflower, is an uncommon, low-growing annual that deserves a spot in more gardens. It is not only a stunning bloomer but also easy to grow. The large, open-faced, trumpet-shaped flowers resemble those of morning glories but without the drawback of reseeding heavily. Nolana is a member of the nightshade family and thus related to tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers.
The most common species in the genus, Nolana paradoxa, is a drought-tolerant desert plant with succulent stems. It puts on a steady show of large, sky-blue flowers all summer long, even in the hottest weather. Nolana has a compact or trailing habit that looks great in container gardens, including hanging baskets and window boxes.
Nolana Overview
Where to Plant Nolana
Select a location with full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Because it thrives in hot, dry conditions, nolana is ideal for rock gardens and xeriscapes. It can also be planted at the front of garden beds and borders as an edging plant. Nolana is an excellent choice for raised beds and container gardens. In container gardens, it acts as a spiller plant, with its stems and blooms cascading over the pot edges. This trailing form makes it an excellent contrast to upright-growing plants. It's also stunning in hanging baskets and window boxes.
Combine nolana with drought-tolerant succulents such as echeveria or sempervivum.
How and When to Plant Nolana
The plant is rarely available at nurseries or garden centers, so you'll probably have to start nolana from seed. Plant seeds when soil is at least 70 degrees F or start them indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your area's last expected frost date. Cover the seeds only lightly with soil, as they need light to germinate. Mist the seeds regularly to keep them moist. At temperatures around 80 degrees F, germination takes 7 to 14 days.
Once the seedlings emerge, give them as much light as possible in a south- or west-facing window or place them under grow lights to prevent them from getting leggy. Move the seedlings outdoors once all danger of frost has passed and harden them off before transplanting them.
Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart.
Nolana Care Tips
Nolana only needs minimal care to bloom all summer long.
Light
Nolana does best in full sun with at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. While it grows in partial shade, it won't bloom well, and shade makes the plant more susceptible to insects and disease.
Soil and Water
Any well-drained soil, including soil with a high content of sand or gravel, is suitable for nolana. Avoid heavy clay or standing water, which will cause the plant to rot and die. The ideal pH is between 5.7-6.3.
Once the plant is established, there is usually no need to water nolana except during periods of intense heat and no rain. Potted plants also need watering.
Temperature and Humidity
Nolana is native to Chile and Peru and thrives in hot, dry conditions. It is not frost-tolerant and its life cycle ends with the first fall frost. The plant is not known to be intolerant of high humidity levels but if your summers are hot and humid, make sure there is sufficient air flow to prevent the spread of fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
There is no need to fertilize the plant; it blooms even if the soil is not rich in nutrients.
Pruning
Nolana requires no pruning during the growing season and deadheading isn't necessary to extend the bloom.
Potting and Repotting Nolana
It's compact or trailing low growth habit makes nolana a favorite for container growing. Make sure to use a container with large drainage holes and fill it with well-draining potting soil. You can give nolana its own container or combine it with plants that have similar low water needs.
Unlike nolana planted in the landscape, the potted plant needs regular watering, as the soil dries out much faster, especially hanging baskets are prone to drying out very fast.
Repotting won't be necessary as nolana won't survive fall frosts.
Pests and Problems
Nolana is mostly unbothered by serious pests or diseases but might attract aphids. If overwatered, it is prone to root rot.
How to Propagate Nolana
The plant is propagated from seed. Follow the instructions for How and When to Plant Nolana above.
Types of Nolana
Nolana 'Blue Bird'
The true blue flowers of Nolana paradoxa 'Blue Bird' have white centers and yellow throats. Growing only 4 to 6 inches in height, this vining plant is a preferred choice for hanging baskets.
Nolana 'Snow Bird'
Nolana paradoxa 'Snow Bird' has white flowers with yellow throats. It grows to a height of 10 inches.
Nolana Companion Plants
Sedum
Sedums are perennial plants that come in many different shapes, colors, and sizes. Creeping sedums are excellent groundcovers in rock gardens while upright sedums form tight clumps of foliage. The foliage of sedums ranges from needle-like to broad, rounded, paddle-like leaves. What all sedums have in common is that they are undemanding in terms of soil and drought-tolerant thanks to their succulent leaves and stems in which the plant stores water. Zone 3-10
Moss Rose
This trailing, heat-loving annual is tough as nails. With its fleshy, succulent leaves and stems, moss rose survives desert-like conditions. It may take the plant a little time to get started in cool, moist spring weather but once the summer heat kicks in, it is unstoppable, blooming all summer in vibrant jewel tones as well as pastel colors. The foliage is needle-like or paddle-like in shape depending on the type.
Dusty Miller
A tender perennial in frost-free climates, dusty miller is usually grown as an annual. The eye-catching effect of its silver foliage is created by numerous tiny white hairs that are most prominent on the undersides of the leaves and the stems. Dusty miller looks good in any combination of plantings, and it's also a good bedding plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is nolana a flower?Yes, it is an annual flower, and it is quite stunning both in terms of its blue color as well as its size, measuring up to 3 inches in diameter.
Yes, it is an annual flower, and it is quite stunning both in terms of its blue color as well as its size, measuring up to 3 inches in diameter.
- Does nolana come back every year?Gardeners in most places grow nolana as an annual with a single growing season. The plant is not frost-hardy and only comes back in Zones 10 and 11.
Gardeners in most places grow nolana as an annual with a single growing season. The plant is not frost-hardy and only comes back in Zones 10 and 11.