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Cup and Saucer Vine
Cup and Saucer Vine
Cup and Saucer Vine
Seed Packet

Cup and Saucer Vine

Cobaea scandens
Known as Mexican climbing cobaea when introduced in 1792, the development of the flowers is a show unto itself. They start as green, five-cornered, papery buds, then open to reveal the green calyx and bell-shaped flower. Next, the pale green flower becomes striped with violet, finally changing to a varnished royal purple before dropping. The foliage and tendrils are shaded with violet and add another layer of beauty from spring to late fall freezes.
SKU #S313
$4.00
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Cardinal Climber
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Asarina 'Joan Lorraine'
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Love-in-a-puff
Love-in-a-puff
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
35
Lifecycle
Annual; tender perennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
9,
10
Annual Hardiness
Tender Annual
Mature Size
10-20' h x 1-2' w
Sun
Full sun
Soil
Rich, moist, well-drained
Season
Summer to fall
Color
Green buds open greenish white and slowly flush to deep violet purple
Features
Great for containers
Great Cut Flower
Attracts Hummingbirds
Notable
RHS Award of Garden Merit Winner
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Place seed on edge and just cover.
Sprout Time:
10-25 days
Seed To Bloom:
14-16 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Recommended. Sow in pots 6-8 weeks before planting out. Keep at 65-75°F. Keep pots evenly moist but never saturated with water.
Starting Outdoors:
Sow in place after last frost in areas that have longer growing seasons, such as zones 9-10.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
About 2 weeks after last frost, when temperatures remain above 40°F.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Cup and saucer is an elegant plant for trellis and arbors with beautiful violet-tinged leaves and stems and unique flowers. Plant in a warm, protected southern exposure in short-season gardens, while some afternoon shade is tolerated in hot climates. Wait to plant until the night temperatures have warmed, generally 2-3 weeks after frost danger. As the plant matures, the tendrils will cling to any rough surface and climb quite tall; pinching to control size is recommended in northern gardens. The flowers start blooming mid to later summer, continue into late fall, and make beautiful cut flowers. If growing in containers, select a large container that drains well and use a rich, well-draining potting mix.
Final Spacing:
8-12"
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
Water regularly but avoid saturating the soil.
Soil pH:
Not particular about soil pH.
Fertilizer:
Mix in 2-4" of compost prior to planting and topdress with another inch midseason.
Diseases & Pests:
If humidity levels are low, these vines are susceptible to attack from red spider mites and aphids; prevent this problem by regularly misting your plants or hosing them down.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Cut when freshly opened. Dip stem ends in boiling water briefly.