Bomarea salsilla

Bomarea salsilla is a vine from Chile that lives for years. It belongs to the Alstroemeriaceae family. It grows from tubers, which lie beneath the soil. In the wild, it grows in woods and dense scrub. Its range spans mountains and coastal parts of central Chile. It likes damp spots in these places. Gardeners grow it for its summer blooms and climbing form.

This vine sheds its leaves and twines around a support. Garden plants reach about 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres] high. They spread about 3–5 feet [1–1.5 metres] wide. Useful Tropical Plants gives longer stems: 13 feet [4 metres]. The RHS gives two to five years to full size. Each year, new climbing stems grow from the long-lived base. The mid-green leaves are narrow and shaped like a lance. They reach about 0.43 feet [0.13 metres] long.

In summer, branched stalks bear round groups of small flowers. Each bloom forms a bell in crimson or purple-red. Each flower is about 0.05 feet [0.015 metres] long. Useful Tropical Plants notes that bees visit the blooms. The vine suits wall borders and courtyards. It also suits gardens with sheltered space. It grows in a greenhouse or conservatory too. PFAF lists sunny woodland edges and shade with patches of light.

Outdoors, the RHS calls for full sun and rich soil. Soil should hold moisture but let excess water drain. Its guide allows clay, chalk, loam, or sand. It accepts acid, neutral, or alkaline soil too. Under glass, use peat-free, loam-based compost with added sharp sand. Give plenty of light, but shade plants from hot sun. Give the twining stems a support. Water well while plants grow. Feed each month with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Keep compost just damp through winter. The RHS rates it H3, suited to mild UK regions. PFAF lists USDA zones 8–11.

In winter, cut dead stems to ground level. Do the same for stems that have flowered. Divide plants once established, as new growth starts. Do this in late winter or early spring. Take care with the roots, as they break with ease. You can also raise new plants from seeds. The RHS reports few disease problems. Under glass, watch for red spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids. Records list the starchy tubers as a cooked food. PFAF reports no known hazards. But Useful Tropical Plants warns that sap can cause rashes. Those who react to tulip sap may react to this plant. Neither source lists a use as medicine.