Growing Guide
 
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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.

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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.