Cathedral Bells is a climber with theatrical timing. Slender green cups open against saucer-like calyxes, then deepen through rose to violet as they mature, hanging among vigorous foliage like bells along a tower.
Given a strong support, the vine can reach 10–20 feet and flower for weeks from midsummer onward. The large blossoms bring hummingbirds to tall fences, arbors, and pergolas where their changing color is easy to admire.
-
Botanical name: Cobaea scandens
-
Life cycle: Tender perennial in Zones 9–11; often grown as an annual
-
Exposure: Full sun
-
Sowing: Start indoors or direct sow after frost
-
Planting depth: 1/2 in.
-
Germination: 15–21 days
-
Mature height: 10–20 ft.
-
Final spacing: 12 in.
-
Approximate seed count: 15
Set the support before the vines accelerate, and place it where the pendulous flowers can be seen from below. Discover more vertical garden drama in our flower seed packets.
