Can I grow this in a pot?

Yes, it thrives in containers as long as you provide a sturdy trellis for it to climb.

Does it need full sun?

It prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade to keep the roots cool.

Plant guide

Purple bell vine.

Rhodochiton atrosanguineus

Pronounced roh-doh-KY-ton at-roh-san-GWIN-ee-us

Also known as Purple Bell Vine, Purple Bells

The purple bell vine is a charming climber known for its unique, lantern like flowers. It is a tender perennial often grown as an annual in cooler climates. You will love how its dark, pendulous blooms add a touch of elegance to any trellis.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Vining perennial
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 8 to 10 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. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and watch for yellowing leaves which can indicate overwatering. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Watering: Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Pruning: Trim back long stems to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
Repotting: Repot in early spring if the plant becomes root bound.
Soil: Well draining, fertile potting mix
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: 5 to 30°C
Humidity: 50 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Tender perennial, often grown as an annual.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.

Safety

People: There is no significant evidence of toxicity to humans, but it is best kept away from pets and small children.
Children: The plant is not toxic, but its vining habit can be a tripping hazard if allowed to sprawl on the ground.
Contact allergens: The foliage can be slightly fuzzy, which may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There are no known significant respiratory allergens associated with this plant.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and should not be consumed.

How to identify it

Heart shaped, mid green leaves
Dark purple, bell shaped calyx
Long, tubular deep red corolla
Twining stems for climbing
Flowers hang downward on pedicels

Height: 2 to 3m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: purple, black, 3 to 5cm

Problems to watch for

Aphids · Small sap sucking insects that cluster on new growth.
Whitefly · Tiny white insects that congregate on the undersides of leaves.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings
When to plant: spring
Overwintering: Bring containers indoors before the first frost. Keep the plant in a bright, cool room and reduce watering significantly until spring.
In containers: It is excellent for containers, requiring at least a 30 centimeter pot with a tall trellis.

Seed

1. Sow seeds in early spring in a seed starting mix.
2. Keep the tray at 20 degrees Celsius until germination.
3. Transplant seedlings once they have two sets of true leaves.

Cuttings

1. Take soft wood cuttings in late summer.
2. Place them in a moist potting medium.
3. Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity until rooted.

Plant low growing annuals at the base of your vine to keep the root zone cool and moist.

Grows well with

Sweet Pea · They share similar climbing habits and light requirements.
Lobelia · This low growing plant helps shade the roots of the vine.

Similar species

Maurandya · A related vining plant with similar growth habits and requirements.

Science

Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Rhodochiton
Order: Lamiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Cloud forests of Mexico.
Conservation: It is not currently listed as endangered or threatened in its native habitat.

It naturally grows as a climber in the humid, shaded understory of Mexican cloud forests.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: hummingbirds, bees
Uses: vertical gardening, hanging baskets, trellis climber

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Can I grow this in a pot?: Yes, it thrives in containers as long as you provide a sturdy trellis for it to climb.
Does it need full sun?: It prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade to keep the roots cool.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Rhodochiton comes from the Greek words for rose and cloak, referring to the colorful calyx, while atrosanguineus means dark blood red.

Good to know

The common name purple bell vine comes from the unique bell shaped calyx.
It is often grown as an annual in cooler climates.
The dark, almost black flowers provide a striking contrast against the green foliage.

Keep your purple bell vine growing

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This guide was generated with AI on November 8, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.