Cup and Saucer Vine
Cobaea scandens
Climbing Plants Difficulty: Easy
📖 About this plant
A fast-growing annual vine famous for its extraordinary bell-shaped flowers that resemble miniature cups sitting in saucer-like calyces. Blooms open greenish-white and mature to deep purple, creating a striking two-tone effect. The tendriled vine quickly covers trellises and fences, producing flowers from midsummer until frost. One of the most dramatic annual climbers available.
🧑🌾 Care requirements
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Light
Full sun (6-8 hrs)
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Water
Every 2-3 days
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Humidity
Moderate (40-60%)
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Temperature
18-30°C
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Soil
Moderately fertile, well-draining soil; tolerates poor soils; pH 6.0-7.5
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Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 2-3 weeks during the growing season
📋 Plant facts
- 🌍 Origin
- Mexico, Central America
- 📏 Max height
- 300-600 cm
- 📐 Spread
- 100-300 cm
- 🕰️ Bloom time
- Summer - Fall
- 🎨 Bloom color
- Purple, Blue
- 🍃 Foliage color
- Green
- ⏳ Lifespan
- Annual
- 📈 Growth rate
- Fast
- ☠️ Toxicity
- Non-toxic to pets and humans
- 🌱 Propagation
- Seed sowing indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; soak seeds overnight before planting
🛡️ Health & Safety
🐾 Pet safe
✅ Non-toxic
Non-toxic to pets and humans
Common issues
- Late to start blooming — needs warm weather, Can strangle nearby plants if unchecked, Slugs and snails on young seedlings
💡 Care tips
- Unique bell-shaped flowers in purple and green,Very fast grower that can cover a large trellis in one season,Sow seeds directly outdoors after last frost,Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden
🪴 Add to My Plants
One click — added instantly. Watering every 3 days, fertilizing every 18 days.
