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.