Portlandia Grandiflora, Bell Flower, Bellflower, Glorious Flower of Cuba, White Horse Flower

The plant is named after a former Duchess of Portland, originally discovered in the island some centuries ago but had been in decline unt...Read Moreil Jamaicas National Arboretum Foundation at Hope Gardens began propagating them a few years ago. A slow growing small tree that produces 5-6" white, trumpet, fragrant flowers. In nature mature trees have been reported to grow 15 feet. Since it is very slow growing, it stays in container as a small 3-5" plant, and blooms when in young age. This plant has elliptic, leathery leaves and blooms from late Spring into Fall. The flowers are white tinged with pink and trumpet-shaped. The air is filled with their luscious perfume, reminiscent of warm, creamy chocolate. It is most fragrant in the evening and early morning, but can be appreciated most any time. Dark green, lush foliage contrasts beautifully with the white flowers. Initially the shrub grows on a tall single stem so it has the look of a standard or lollipop. Gradually, with age, it fills out and becomes more shrub-like. It is cold sensitive, and should be planted with protection from winter winds. Cold may cause leaves to drop and severe cold may knock it back to the ground, but it will spring back. While it can be grown in a container, it flowers much of the year if it is in the ground.