Cobaea scandens

The cup-and-saucer vine — a spectacular, vigorous climber whose large bells open green and age to deep violet-purple, each cup set on a leafy saucer.
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Cobaea scandens — cup-and-saucer vine

Cobaea scandens is the botanical name for the cup-and-saucer vine, a spectacular, vigorous climber whose large bell-shaped flowers open green and age to deep violet-purple, each cup set on a broad leafy "saucer." It is the species behind our cobaea range within the flower seed collection.

History & origin

Native to Mexico, where it is a woody perennial, cobaea is grown in cooler climates as a fast half-hardy annual that can scale several metres in a single season. Its dramatic flowers and rapid growth made it a Victorian favourite for clothing arches, pergolas and walls.

The genus Cobaea honours the Spanish Jesuit naturalist Bernabé Cobo, while the species epithet scandens means climbing, a nod to its strong, self-clinging ascent.

Botanical characteristics

One of the most vigorous of all annual climbers, it clings by branched tendrils and races upward, carrying its curious, fragrant, colour-changing bells from late summer until the frosts. Its tendril-climbing power makes it a star of our climbing flowers, while the nectar-rich, bat- and bee-pollinated blooms also place it among our pollinator flowers.

Growing Cobaea scandens from seed

Sow early, in late winter to early spring, in warmth, setting the large flat seed on edge and barely covering. Grow on in good light and plant against a tall, sturdy support in full sun once frost has passed; given a long, warm season it climbs fast and flowers prolifically. Our flower growing guide and flower sowing calendar cover the timing.

Ready to grow cup-and-saucer vine? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Cobaea · Climbing Flowers · Pollinator Flowers · Annual Flowers · All Flower Seeds

At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.

What is Cobaea scandens?
It is the botanical name for the cup-and-saucer vine, a Mexican climber grown in cool climates as a fast half-hardy annual with colour-changing bells. How fast does it grow?
Very fast — it is one of the most vigorous annual climbers, scaling several metres in a single season given warmth and a tall support. Why do the flowers change colour?
The bells open green and gradually age to deep violet-purple, so a well-grown plant shows both shades at once. How do I sow the seed?
Sow early, in late winter to early spring, in warmth, setting the large flat seed on edge and barely covering it.