How to Grow Nolana
Nolana
Nolana paradoxa
flowerNolana is a tender annual flower native to Chile, prized for its vibrant, funnel-shaped blooms in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. It cascades beautifully in hanging baskets, containers, and garden beds, thriving in hot, sunny locations. The plant's succulent-like foliage and prolific flowering make it an excellent choice for heat-tolerant garden displays.
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Example Nolana timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Nolana
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Nolana blooms
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Nolana dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Grows as an annual in all zones; perennial in zones 10-11. Best performance in zones 5-10
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Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall rosettes of succulent-like, finely textured foliage emerge. Leaves are narrow and slightly hairy
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Maintain 70-75°F for best germination. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops dense, spreading mounds of succulent foliage. Stems begin cascading or mounding depending on variety. Foliage remains low and compact
Water moderately; reduce frequency as plant matures. Begin fertilizing weekly with balanced or flower-promoting fertilizer. Ensure full sun exposure for best branching
Early Flowering
2-3 weeksFirst buds appear amid foliage. Funnel-shaped flowers open in morning hours, typically blue, purple, pink, or white with contrasting throats
Continue regular watering and feeding. Flowers close in late afternoon and evening. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Maintain full sun
Peak Flowering
6-10 weeksProfuse blooms cover the plant, opening fresh flowers daily. Plant reaches full mature size. Cascading varieties show dramatic trailing habit
Maintain consistent watering schedule but allow soil surface to dry between waterings. Feed every 7-10 days with bloom-promoting fertilizer (higher phosphorus). Deadhead regularly
Decline & Frost Sensitivity
4-8 weeks (varies by climate)Flowering may slow with first frost or in extreme heat (above 95°F). Plant becomes stressed in cold temperatures below 50°F. Foliage may yellow or wilt
Protect from frost with row covers or bring containers indoors. In heat, provide afternoon shade and consistent moisture. End-of-season deadheading becomes impractical; allow to finish naturally
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Mist foliage regularly with water; use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; increase humidity
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
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Reduce soil moisture; use sand layer on soil surface; apply sticky traps; allow soil to dry between waterings
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or fungicide; remove affected leaves
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Improve drainage immediately; repot in fresh, dry soil; reduce watering frequency; avoid waterlogging
Uses
Edible flowers for garnish
CulinaryNolana flowers are edible and make attractive garnishes for salads, desserts, and beverages, adding subtle color and delicate texture. They should be pesticide-free if grown for consumption. [source]
Container and landscape color
HouseholdNolana excels in hanging baskets, window boxes, mixed containers, and border plantings, providing reliable, long-lasting color throughout warm months. Its heat and drought tolerance make it ideal for difficult, sunny locations. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeNolana flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity and ecosystem health during the growing season. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
CraftFresh nolana flowers can be cut and placed in small water arrangements, though they have a short vase life (typically one day) as each bloom closes at dusk. Best used in fresh, same-day arrangements. [source]
Traditional South American ethnobotanical uses
MedicinalIn its native Chile, nolana species have been used in traditional medicine, though scientific evidence remains limited. Modern gardeners primarily value it for ornamental purposes. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Nolana is ornamental; flowers are not typically harvested but continuously removed (deadheaded) to promote blooming. Pinch stems early in season to encourage bushier, more compact growth and more prolific flowering. In cool climates, enjoy blooms until first frost.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nolana flowers are ephemeral bloomers—each flower opens fresh in the morning and closes by late afternoon or early evening, creating a natural daily show.
- 🌱 The genus Nolana contains over 80 species native to the Andes and Pacific coastal regions of South America, most adapted to arid, rocky, or sandy environments.
- 🌱 Nolana is sometimes called 'Chilean bellflower' or 'Nolana lily,' though it is neither a true lily nor closely related to bellflowers—common names reflect its funnel-shaped blooms.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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