| Description | Cup and Saucer Plant (Cobaea scandens) is a tender perennial often grown as an annual in colder climates. Outward to drooping flowers with fused petals forming the cup and the calyx forming the saucer. |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | (ko-BEE-uh)(SKAN-dens) |
| Plant Type | Annuals, Perennial Tender, Vines |
| Hardiness Zone | 9-11 |
| Sunlight | full, mostly sunny |
| Moisture | average, moist, avoid dry |
| Soil & Site | average, well-drained, moist |
| Growing Media | average |
| Temperature | likes cool nights |
| Flowers | Bell, cup, or funnel-shaped flowers start green and mature to purple, facing downward or outward. The fused petals form the plant's cup, and the calyx is green, creating a saucer at the base of the plant. Prominent anthers are within the cup. Flowers are borne on slender pedicels from the axil of the leaf. |
| Fruit | seed pods, flat brown seeds |
| Leaves | Green, pinnately compound ending in a vigorous tendril that rapidly attaches to rough surfaces or other structures often forms tight curly cues. |
| Stems | vine, reddish |
| Dimensions | One to twenty feet, depending on the length of the growing season and climate. |
| Maintenance | deadheading |
| Propagation | I soaked the seeds in water, and germination was good. After germination, the seedlings grow rapidly in the seed pots, |
| Native Site | Mountain habitats in Mexico |
| Cultivar Origin | The genus was named for B Cobo (1572-1659), a Jesuit priest and naturalist who visited many monasteries in Peru and Mexico. |
| Author's Notes | I have grown this plant a few times and obtained vines with flowers, but I have never achieved vigorous plants, which suggests it is possible. I will try again (2024). |
| Notes & Reference | #47-Annuals for the Connoisseurs (Wayne Winterrowd), #51-Armitage's Manual of Annuals, Biennials, and Half-Hardy Perennials (Alan Armitage), #274-Site Authors' observations and growing experiences |
Cart
