Mexican Ivy
Cobaea scandens
Also known as
Cup-and-saucer vine, Monastery bells
Cobaea scandens 05 by Michael Wolf (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Tender
10b
USDA zone
2°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
4m | Max | 1m |
2.5m | Min | 50cm |
2 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Mexican Ivy
Mexican Ivy Overview
Cobaea scandens is a perennial species in the phlox family, Polemoniaceae. Originating from Mexico, common names include Mexican Ivy, Cup-and-Saucer Vine, Cathedral Bells, or Monastery Bells. This species is often grown as an annual due to its tenderness, it doesn't cope well with temperatures below 5 degrees Celcius. It has a strong, climbing habit and produces pinnately divided foliage, leaflets measure around 10cm in length and end in small hooks for climbing. Flowers are big, fragrant and bell-shaped, around 5cm long and develop from white-green to a lovely purple shade. The blooms are popular with pollinating insects and this species has earnt a Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.
Common problems with Mexican Ivy
How to propagate Mexican Ivy
Seed
Cuttings
Softwood cuttings.
Special features of Mexican Ivy
Attractive flowers
Attracts bees
Other uses of Mexican Ivy
Climbing, ornamental, containers, flowers