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I bought this species seeds from J. L. Hudson, Seedsman, and you are right, out of two packets I got one seed to sprout. I can't wait to see these flowers I can somehow keep the vine alive!
Silly me, I remembered the description was red flowers, so I thought what I was growing was this species. I just looked at the plant tag in the container and it is Mutisia coccinea var. coccinea. Is it a synonym, perhaps?
We don't have those zone classifications you have in the States, but according to the places where I have seen them growing, I don't think they will grow outdoors in your climate. A cold greenhouse should do the trick, but you would have to plant your Mutisia in the ground. Adult plants do not tolerate containers. Water regularly, without overwatering. The plant requires full sun, neutral to slightly acid soil (rich in nutrients), very good drainage and a support to climb on. You can let them climb on a shrub, since they are are not dense enough to deprive the shrub of sun.
Late Winter/early Spring you will have to remove some dry branches. Grown from seeds, they are supposed to bloom on the second year.
Also, apply some fungicide to the soil of your seedling to prevent dumping-off. Don't transplant your seedling before it reaches 5cm (2").
Joseph, there are different Mutisia species all along the Andes mountains. I do not recognize the one you mention as one of our species. I know there is a very beautiful Mutisia species in Ecuador, with pendant flowers, but I'm not sure about the name.
Thank you, Ursula. The vine has very delicate feathery leaves, and it is slowly coming along. I need to get it to more light based on what you have said. I must look for the seed packet, maybe country of origin is on it. Have a great evening!
