Rhodochiton Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 6th Nov 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Rhodochiton plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Rhodochiton dazzles with its cascading vines and bell-shaped flowers. It is perfect for hanging baskets or use it as a climbing plant.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: They prefer partial shade to full sun and enjoy a moist, well-drained soil. They are suitable for indoor or outdoor growing, so long as there is adequate light.
- General Care: Keep soil consistently moist and provide a trellis or support for climbing. Trim back to maintain shape and to encourage a fuller growth.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Purple Bell Vine makes an excellent starter plant, rewarding you with its rapid growth. Water regularly, and enjoy its dynamic display.
Purple Bell Vine: Cultivation & Garden Use
The Rhodochiton plant is a half hardy perennial climber. Plants grow to a height of about 3 metres (10 feet).
Rhodochiton plants have heart shaped leaves.
Rhodochiton atrosanguineum – Purple Bell Vine photograph by Gertrud K; under Creative Commons licence.
They bloom from summer through autumn. When in bloom they carry attractive multitudes of drooping purple to black tubular shaped flowers.
A common name for Rhodochiton is the Purple Bell Vine.
Commonly Grown GENUS Species Photographs and Plant Identification
Rhodochiton atrosanguineus
Rhodochiton atrosanguineus syn. Rhodochiton atrosanguineus syn. hodochiton volubilis
Rhodochiton atrosanguineus (Purple Bell Vine), photograph by peganum; CC.
Purple Bell Vine climbing up a wall, picture by David Short; CC.
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Rhodochiton Growing and Care Guide
- Common Names: Purple Bell Vine.
- Family: Plantaginaceae.
- 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 (59 to 64°F).
Rhodochiton seedlings should be transplanted outdoors at about 25 cm (10 inches) 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 Rhodochiton 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.
Common Questions
How many members does the Rhodochiton genus contain?
The Rhodochiton genus is small, containing only two species.
Do Rhodochiton members make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Rhodochiton plants, with their unique hanging flowers, are an excellent addition to hanging baskets or trellises.
Which Rhodochiton species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Rhodochiton atrosanguineus (Purple Bell Vine) is often grown for its bell-shaped, deep purple flowers and heart-shaped leaves.
Are Rhodochiton plants fragrant?
Rhodochiton plants are not typically fragrant, but they are valued for their ornamental, bell-shaped flowers.
What is the perfect location to grow Rhodochiton?
Rhodochiton prefers a sunny to partially shaded location with moist, well-drained soil. They're perfect for trellises, walls or hanging pots.
Is Rhodochiton invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Presently, Rhodochiton species are not considered invasive in the USA.
How do I remove Rhodochiton plants from my garden?
Removing Rhodochiton plants is as simple as uprooting them, making sure to get all the roots to prevent regrowth.
Summary
The Rhodochiton genus is made up of flowering vines native to Mexico. They are cherished for their bell-shaped flowers which feature a distinct two-tone color pattern.
These plants thrive in a sunny to partially shaded location and require a fertile, well-drained soil. They are typically grown as annuals, with planting done in late spring after the last frost. They can also be grown in containers and brought indoors during the winter.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Rhodochiton plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Chickabiddy, Innocence, Digitalis, and Penstemon plants.
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