Canary bellflower

In nature, the canary bellflower (Canarina canariensis) is found only in the Canary Islands. It grows in woodlands, where its long stems climb and twine through trees.

Canary bellflower blooms in winter. Its large, orange, bell-shaped flowers produce a watery nectar that attracts small birds such as chiffchaffs and finches. The birds drink the nectar and, in doing so, pollinate the flowers.

In spring, the above-ground parts of the plant wither, allowing it to survive the dry, warm summer season underground. In late summer or early autumn, when the rains return, new shoots emerge from the plant’s tuber, preparing it for another growing season.