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Cathedral Bells

Annual Flower, Vine

Also known as Cup and Saucer Vine
Cobaea scandens
Polemoniaceae Family

This fast-growing annual vine gets its common names from its flowers. The bell-like or cup-like blossoms rest on saucer-like calyxes. Great for brightening up your porch or trellis.

	Site and Plant Characteristics
	Growing Information
	Varieties

Site Characteristics

Sunlight:

full sun

Soil conditions:

requires well-drained soil

Requires soil that is kept evenly moist but not soggy.

Plant Traits

Lifecycle: annual

Is an evergreen perennial in its native frost-free range.

Ease-of-care: easy

Height: 10 to 25 feet

When supported by trellis.

Spread: 10 to 25 feet

When allowed to spread over the ground.

Bloom time:

early summer
mid-summer
late summer
early fall

Flower color:

green
violet
white

Flowers are pale green when they first open, and turn purple or white as they mature.

Foliage color:

medium green
dark green

Foliage texture: medium

Shape: climbing / vine

Shape in flower: same as above

Special Considerations

Special characteristics:

non-aggressive
non-invasive
not native to North America - Mexico and South America

Growing Information

How to plant:

Propagate by seed - Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost. The seeds should be sown with their longest edge pointing down. Can also be direct seeded outside, but flowering will be delayed.

Germination temperature: 70 F to 75 F

Days to emergence: 10 to 24

Maintenance and care:

Train on trellis or other support. Keep moist but not soggy. Pinch back to keep bushy if desired.
More growing information: How to Grow Annuals

Varieties

'Alba' bears white flowers changing to cream on 10- to 12-foot tall plants.