Rhodochiton atrosanguineus
purple bell vine
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average
- Flowering period: July to October
- Hardiness: Half hardy
The purple bell vine has delightful rose-red calyces with eye-catching, pendulous tubular dark purple flowers hanging beneath like bell clappers. Usually grown as an annual, this beautiful perennial vine has heart-shaped leaves and is a charming addition to summer planting schemes or as a potted feature plant in a conservatory.
Plants should be trained up support as they develop. Keep moist and weed free especially in containers. Trim back and overwinter outdoor plants indoors or in a greenhouse.
Sow thinly in trays of seed compost, cover lightly with sieved compost, firm gently and keep moist. Cover with glass, polythene or propagator lid. Keep at approx. 15-20°C, germination may be slow and erratic. Seedlings typically appear after 14-42 days. Remove cover when seedlings appear and when large enough, transplant to individual 7.5cm or 9cm pots. Stand seedlings outside for a few days late May to acclimatise (avoiding frosts). Transplant 60cm apart in flowering position.