Cobaea scandens

Cobaea scandens (cup-and-saucer vine, cathedral bells, Mexican ivy, monastery bells) is a species of flowering perennial plant of the Polemoniaceae family, native to the tropical Americas. It is widely cultivated for its twining habit and its highly ornamental, bell-shaped flowers, 5 cm (2 in) long, which change from white to purple. It is not hardy, and requires protection from winter frost and winds. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. A white form exists, C. scandens f. alba. This plant has become a common weed in New Zealand, probably as a garden escape.

Cobaea scandens

Cobaea scandens (cup-and-saucer vine, cathedral bells, Mexican ivy, monastery bells) is a species of flowering perennial plant of the Polemoniaceae family, native to the tropical Americas. It is widely cultivated for its twining habit and its highly ornamental, bell-shaped flowers, 5 cm (2 in) long, which change from white to purple. It is not hardy, and requires protection from winter frost and winds. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. A white form exists, C. scandens f. alba. This plant has become a common weed in New Zealand, probably as a garden escape.