How to Grow Rhodochiton Plants

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Purple Bell Vine

Rhodochiton is a half hardy perennial climber that grows to a height of about 3 metres.

Rhodochiton have heart shaped leaves and bloom from summer and through autumn and carry attractive multitudes of drooping purple to black tubular shaped flowers.

A common name for Rhodochiton plants is Purple Bell Vine.

Rhodochiton atrosanguineum
Rhodochiton atrosanguineum – Purple Bell Vine photograph by Gertrud K; under Creative Commons licence.

Rhodochiton Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Purple Bell Vine.
Life Cycle: Half hardy perennial commonly grown as a half hardy annual by gardeners.
Height: 120 inches (300 cm).
Native: Central America.
Growing Region: Zones 6 to 10. As a perennial in zones 9 and 10.
Flowers: Summer and autumn.
Flower Details: Pink, black/purple tubes.
Foliage: Evergreen. Cordate. Toothed.
Sow Outside: Cover seed. Following the last frost in warm areas. Spacing 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: two to six weeks. Temperature 60°F (16°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors a couple of weeks after the last frost.
Requirements: Full sunlight. Average soil. Better results in humus rich and moist soils. Provide support. Provide trellis. Propagate: cuttings in spring.

How to Grow Purple Bell Vine (Rhodochiton)

It is probably best to start off Purple Bell Vines indoors. They should be started about 5 to 6 weeks before the last frost of spring. The seeds will take about two to six weeks to germinate at a temperature of 15 to 18 degrees. Rhodochiton seedlings should be transplanted outdoors at about 25 cm apart a couple of weeks after the last frost of spring. Purple Bell Vines should be grown in a sunny part of the garden in an ordinary soil.

Caring for Bell vine and similar Rhodochiton plants in the Garden

If you require more plants then cuttings of Purple Bell Vines can be took in spring and summer. Purple Bell Vines are climbing plants so will require a trellis or canes to grow upon.