Cup and Saucer Vine.

At a glance

Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Perennial vine grown as an annual

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

Bright indirect

Water

Every 3 to 7 days

Mature size

10 to 20 feet

Growth rate

Fast

Hardiness

USDA 9 to 11

Bloom time

Mid summer to late autumn

Care

Provide a sturdy support structure for the vines to climb as they grow quite vigorously. Keep an eye out for aphids on the new growth and ensure the soil stays consistently moist but not soggy. If the leaves start to yellow, it might be a sign of overwatering or poor drainage.

Watering

Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the summer.

Pruning

Trim back long stems to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.

Repotting

Since it is often grown as an annual, you likely will not need to repot it.

Soil

Well draining, fertile soil

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.5

Temperature

5 to 30°C

Humidity

40 to 70%

Safety

People

There is no significant toxicity reported for humans, but it is best to avoid ingestion.

Pets

This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

The long, curling tendrils can be a minor entanglement hazard for very small children.

Contact allergens

The foliage can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

There are no notable airborne allergens associated with this plant.

Edibility

This plant is not considered edible and should be kept away from food preparation areas.

How to identify it

• Large bell shaped purple flowers
• Compound leaves with branched tendrils
• Fast growing vining habit
• Saucer like calyx at flower base

Height

3 to 6m

Spread

1 to 2m

Leaves

green, evergreen

Flowers

purple, greenish-white, 5 to 7cm

Fruit

green, late autumn

Problems to watch for

• AphidsCommon
• Spider MitesCommon
• Botrytis BlightUncommon
• Root RotUncommon
• WhiteflyUncommon
• Leaf ScorchRare

Growing it

Propagation

seed, cuttings

When to plant

spring

Provide a strong, wide mesh trellis to support the vigorous growth of this vine.

Grows well with

• Morning Glory · They share similar climbing needs and create a lush vertical display.
• Sweet Pea · Both plants appreciate a sturdy trellis and provide a long season of color.

Similar species

• Cup and Saucer Vine · This is a white flowered variety of the same species.

Science

Family

Polemoniaceae

Genus

Cobaea

Order

Ericales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Tropical regions of Mexico and Central America.

Conservation

It is not of conservation concern and is widely cultivated.

It climbs over other vegetation in its native habitat to reach sunlight in the forest canopy.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

vertical screening, trellis climber, container specimen

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is it a perennial?

It is a tender perennial usually grown as an annual in cooler climates.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, it thrives in large containers with a sturdy support structure.

Where the name comes from

The genus honors the Spanish Jesuit priest Bernabé Cobo, while the species name scandens refers to its climbing habit.

Good to know

• It is commonly called the cathedral bells vine due to the shape of its blossoms.
• The plant uses specialized tendrils to grip surfaces and climb rapidly.
• It is a fast grower that can reach its full height in a single season.
• The flowers are pollinated by bats in their native tropical habitat.