Rhodochiton atrosanguineus
purple bell vine
An herbaceous climber to 3m in height, bearing heart-shaped leaves with twining leaf-stalks; pendulous tubular deep maroon flowers 4cm in length have large, bowl-shaped rose-red calyces
Other common names
purple bellerinepurple bells
Synonyms
Rhodochiton atrosanguineus 'Purple Bells'Rhodochiton volubilis
see moreRhodochiton atrosanguineum
Lophospermum atrosanguineum
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink Purple | Green | Pink | |
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Genus
Rhodochiton are deciduous perennial climbers with twining stems bearing simple, heart-shaped leaves, and solitary, pendent, tubular flowers with large calyces
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based compost in full light with protection from hot sun. During growth water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly but keep just moist in winter. Pot on in spring. Can be grown outdoors in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in a frost-free area. In frost prone areas can be grown outdoors as an annual
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 15-18°C when ripe or in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Plants grown under glass may need restrictive pruning in late winter
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.