Cup and Saucer Vine

Cup and Saucer Vine (Cobaea scandens)

Cup and Saucer Vine (Cobaea scandens), also known as Cathedral Bells, is a vigorous, fast-growing perennial vine known for its large, bell-shaped flowers that change color as they mature. The plant�s dramatic blooms start off green and eventually turn purple, creating an eye-catching display throughout the growing season. With its ability to climb and trail, Cobaea scandens makes an excellent choice for covering fences, trellises, or creating vertical interest in your garden or landscape.

Distinctive Features

Cobaea scandens is renowned for its large, cup-shaped flowers that start as green, then gradually transition to a rich purple as they mature. The plant�s foliage is dark green and heart-shaped, providing an attractive backdrop for the dramatic flowers. It has a vigorous growth habit, quickly climbing structures like trellises, arbors, or fences, making it an ideal choice for adding vertical interest to your garden. The plant�s unique flowers and rapid growth make it a standout choice for gardeners seeking to add both beauty and height to their landscapes.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. For the best flowering and growth, plant in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.


• Soil: Thrives in well-draining, fertile soil. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH and should be kept in soil that is consistently moist but not soggy.


• Water: Requires regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods. Be sure to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to avoid waterlogging.


• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity, making it ideal for growing in humid climates or for providing supplemental humidity in drier regions.


• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11 (best suited for warm climates but can be grown as an annual in cooler regions).

Ideal Uses

• Vertical Gardening: Cobaea scandens is perfect for climbing fences, trellises, arbors, or walls. Its fast-growing vines create a lush, green backdrop, and its stunning flowers provide a dramatic focal point throughout the growing season.


• Hanging Baskets: The plant�s trailing growth habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets, where the flowers will cascade beautifully over the edges.


• Garden Beds: Adds height and visual interest to garden beds, where its vibrant flowers and climbing habit can create a striking effect.


• Container Planting: Can be grown in containers with proper support for its climbing vines, making it perfect for patios, balconies, or small garden spaces.

Low Maintenance Care

Cobaea scandens is relatively low-maintenance once established. Regular watering, occasional pruning, and light fertilizing are all that�s needed to keep the plant healthy and encourage continuous growth and blooming.

• Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry weather. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage disease.


• Pruning: Prune back any leggy growth and spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance. Prune after blooming to encourage new growth and more flowers.


• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms throughout the growing season.


• Winter Care: In cooler climates, Cobaea scandens is typically grown as an annual. In warmer regions, it can be left outdoors year-round with minimal care.

Why Choose Cobaea Scandens?

Cobaea scandens is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add height, color, and visual interest to their landscape. Its rapid growth, dramatic flowers, and ability to thrive in both sun and shade make it a standout choice for vertical gardens and other spaces where climbing plants are desired.

• Dramatic Flowers: The plant�s unique, bell-shaped flowers start green and transition to purple, creating an eye-catching display that changes throughout the season.


• Focal Point: With its climbing habit and dramatic flowers, Cobaea scandens serves as a beautiful focal point in gardens, containers, or hanging baskets.


• Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners.


• Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a great addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.

For a fast-growing, vibrant plant that adds height, texture, and dramatic color to your garden, Cobaea scandens (Cobaea scandens) is the perfect choice for your landscape.