Forest Bell Bush (Mackaya Bella)

Forest Bell Bush

Features and Characteristics

Mackaya bella, commonly known as forest bell bush, is an evergreen shrub in the Acanthus family that typically grows to 3-6’ tall. It is native to mixed forests in South Africa. Main ornamental features are opposite, slender-pointed, elliptic, prominently-veined, wavy-edged, glossy evergreen leaves (to 3-5” long) and arching terminal racemes of tubular, bell-shaped, five-lobed, pale lilac to white flowers (each to 2” long) which are finely veined with dark purple. Flowers bloom from spring to fall.

Genus name honors James Townsend Mackay (1775-186- , founder and original curator of the Trinity College Botanic Garden in Dublin in 1804 and author of Flora Hibernica (183- .

Specific epithet comes from the Latin word bella meaning beautiful in reference to the attractive flowers of this plant.

Care and Maintenance

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 9b-11 where plants are best grown in moist, well-composted, moderately fertile, well-drained soils in full sun to dappled part shade. Best in part shade locations. Leaves may fade or acquire yellow tones in full sun. Best minimum temperature in winter is 45-50 degrees F. Plants are intolerant of frost. Best performance generally occurs in climates which mimic the climatic conditions of its South African native territory. This plant is often difficult to grow in greenhouses.

Forest Bell Bush (Mackaya Bella) Requirements

Hardiness zone	10 - 11
Sun light	Full Sun To Part Shade
Water	Medium
Maintenance	High

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Uses

Where winter hardy, grow in shrub borders. Specimen. Informal hedge.

Forest Bell Bush (Mackaya Bella) Details

Common name	Forest Bell Bush
Botanical name	Mackaya Bella
Plant type	Broadleaf Evergreen
Family	Acanthaceae
Hardiness zone	10 - 11
Water	Medium
Maintenance	High
Flower color	Pale Lavender
Flowering period	May - September
Height	3 - 6 Ft.
Width	3 - 6 Ft.