PlantFiles: Cathedral Bells, Cup and Saucer Vine
Cobaea scandens 'Royal Plum'

This is the first year I have grown one of these vines and it was a great treat! The thing was awsome! I bought it in an 8" pot at a local nursery and planted it in a large pot on my s/w facing porch. It climbed porch eves in both directions and then headed straight up into the tree at least 30 feet! (I have pictures but not digital). The flowers open up green (yes, green) and turn purple in 2 or 3 days. I have a cutting of it that I rooted in water in my s facing bay window now and I also took seeds. I am hoping to have the same experience next summer!! I have gardened for over 30 years and have never had such fun with a plant as this one. It went from a 14" start to 30' in one short Alasakan summer!

This stupid thing didn't bloom given an early start indoors, a long growing season, ample water, and rich soil that grew many other vines into supreme displays. The interestingly architectural leaves are not quite worth it. I'm afraid this goes on the won't waste-space-with-it-next-year list. I'm afraid it is not a worthy garden plant in this climate, I assume.