Cobaea Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Cobaea plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Cathedral Bells, & Cup and Saucer Vine: Cultivation & Garden Use

Members of the Cobaea plant genus are climbing vines. They can reach four metres (13 feet) in size.

Although they are half hardy perennials in nature, gardeners often treat the Cobaea plant as half hardy annuals.

Cobaea scandens
Cobaea scandens by Rbrwr; Creative commons.

They have bell shaped flowers of white, yellow, or purple. Cobaea is know by the more common names of Cathedral bells, Mexican Ivy, and Cup and Saucer vine.

They bloom from summer to Autumn.

cup and saucer vine
Cobaea scandens cup and saucer vine by Zixii.

Commonly Grown Cobaea Species Photographs and Plant Identification

Cobaea scandens

Cobaea scandens
Cobaea scandens (Cup-and-saucer Vine / Cathedral Bells / Mexican Ivy / Monastery Bells), photograph by Forest and Kim Starr; CC.

Cobaea pringlei

Cobaea pringlei
Cobaea pringlei (Pringle's Cathedral Bells), picture by peganum; CC.

Cobaea Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Cathedral Bells, Cup and Saucer Vine.
Family: Polemoniaceae.
Life Cycle: Half hardy perennial usually grown as a half hardy annual by gardeners.
Height: 48 to 240 inches (120 to 600 cm).
Native: Central America.
Growing Region: Zones 1 to 10. As a perennial in zones 9 and 10.
Flowers: Summer and autumn, and through the winter in warm frost free areas.
Flower Details: Purple, yellow, white, cream. Hanging bell or trumpet shape.
Foliage: Alternate lobed leaves. Veined.
Sow Outside: Only in warm areas: Cover seed. Following last frost or autumn. Spacing 20 to 40 inches (50 to 100 cm).
Sow Inside: Use Peat pots. Nick seeds. Lay pots on their sides to prevent rot. Germination time: one to seven weeks. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors three weeks after the last frost; the temperature must not drop below 41°F (5°C).
Requirements: Full sunlight or partial shade. Average soil. Add manure to soil. Occasional feed. Pinch tips. Trellis. Regular watering. If growing perennial cut back/prune in spring. Propagate from stem cuttings.

How to Grow Cathedral Bells and other Cobaea

If planning to grow Cobaea plants from seeds indoors, then the seeds should be nicked with a knife. Sow in peat pots, then lightly cover with topsoil.

Cathedral bells, take around two to four weeks to germinate. This should be done at about 22 to 24 degrees centigrade (72 to 75°F).

Cobaea should be started about two months before the seedlings are due to be transplanted in the middle of spring,after the last possible frost.

Seedlings should be spaced at about one meter (40 inches). Locate in a sunny part of the garden.

Caring for Cobaea

Once growing, the young tips of Cobaea should be pinched to create branching.

Cobaea should be watered regularly, and supported on a trellis.

Common Questions

How many members does the Cobaea genus have?

The Cobaea genus is relatively small, comprising only about 20 species, each with its unique traits.

Do members of Cobaea make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, members of the Cobaea genus, such as Cobaea scandens (Cup-and-Saucer Vine), are stunning climbers perfect for covering walls, fences, or trellises.

Which Cobaea species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most commonly grown species is Cobaea scandens (Cup-and-Saucer Vine), popular for its fast growth, large bell-shaped flowers, and attractive foliage.

Are members of the Cobaea plant genus fragrant?

Yes, some species like Cobaea scandens have mildly fragrant flowers, especially noticeable in the evenings.

What is the perfect location to grow Cobaea?

Cobaea requires full sun to part shade, fertile, well-drained soil, and a strong support structure for optimal growth.

Is Cobaea invasive in the USA?

Presently, Cobaea is not listed as invasive in the USA, but as with any plant, care should be taken to control its spread in suitable conditions.

How do I remove Cobaea plants from my garden?

To remove Cobaea, cut back the vines and remove the roots manually. Persistent growth may need treatment with a suitable herbicide.

Summary

The Cobaea genus, part of the Polemoniaceae family, is native to Mexico. The most popular species, Cobaea scandens or the cup-and-saucer vine, is a fast-growing, climbing plant known for its large, bell-shaped flowers that bloom from summer to autumn.

Cobaea should be planted in a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds sown in spring. Regular watering and feeding are necessary for optimal growth. Given their climbing habit, they need support to climb, making them an ideal choice for trellises or pergolas.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Cobaea plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ Polemoniaceae growing guides: How to grow Annual Phlox, Soldanella, Brachyscome, and Gilia plants.