Cup and Saucer Vine is a beautiful climbing plant from the phlox family (Polemoniaceae), just like Northern Phlox, Alyssum-Leaved Phlox, Prairie Phlox, Brush Phlox, Greek Valerian, Autumn Phlox, Jacob's Ladder, Spring Phlox, Mountain Phlox, Sand Phlox, Arctic Phlox, Tufted Phlox, Carolina Phlox, Stinging Phlox, Spreading Phlox, Wild Blue Phlox, Columbia Phlox, Marsh Phlox and Flowering Phlox. The name Phlox is derived from Greek, where Phlox means flame. Other names are Cathedral Bells, Mexican Ivy and Monastery Bells. This family consists mainly of herbaceous plants, shrubs, lianas or climbing plants. The phlox family is a family that has many vibrant, often bell-shaped flowers and feathery leaves. Cup and Saucer Vine is native to tropical America, where it grows at altitudes of around 2000 metres. It grows in the temperate regions of this area, but also in dry deserts and lush forests. This family is characterised by its remarkable adaptability. It comes from the following countries, among others: Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela. Cup and Saucer Vine is often grown as a garden plant in our climate (the Netherlands and Belgium). This large herbaceous climbing plant can easily grow to a length of 20 metres. The beautiful, bell-shaped flowers grow on long, thin stems covered with feathery leaves. The flowers grow in the leaf axils. The beautiful flowers are purple and white in colour.
In nature, these flowers are pollinated by bats. It is a non hardy perennial that is usually grown as an annual in our climate (the Netherlands and Belgium). It cann't tolerate frost, but it can be placed in a large pot or tub and overwintered indoors at temperatures above 10 °C. Cup and Saucer Vine blooms from June to October. Remove dead flowers regularly. This plant loses its leaves in winter. The plant takes a while to get started, but once it does, it grows quite quickly. It is a plant that winds itself around a fence, trellis, pergola or other climbing frame. This Cup and Saucer Vine is often used as a perennial in ornamental gardens. Unfortunately, it isn't hardy, so it must be brought indoors for the winter. Cup and Saucer Vine is loved by bees, hoverflies, butterflies and other beneficial insects. Non hardy perennial. Height: 300 - 400 cm.
Indoor sowing: February - April
Outdoor sowing: End of April - May
Germination: 14 - 28 days
Germination temp.: 18 - 24 °C
Sowing depth: 1½ - 2 cm
Planting distance: 50 - 75 cm
Planting position: sunny - sheltered
Flowering period: June - October
Sow indoors or outdoors under glass in large pots, trays or cold frames from February onwards. Plant the seeds vertically with the tip pointing downwards in good seed compost. Cup and Saucer Vine is a dark germinator. It may take a while for the seeds to germinate. Keep the temperature as constant as possible during germination and do n't let the temperature drop, especially at night. Keep well moist and be patient. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transferred to separate pots. At the beginning of May, allow the seedlings to acclimatise to the outside temperature for a few days (10-14) during the day. Then place them in a sheltered, sunny spot with well-drained soil. Provide sturdy support for the morning glory to climb.
From the end of April onwards, seeds can be sown outdoors in the ground. Sow the seeds vertically with the tip pointing downwards into the soil. Cover the seeds with a layer of soil about 1½ - 2 cm thick. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out to 50 - 75 cm. Keep well moist and weed-free. Cup and Saucer Vine isn't hardy and must be overwintered indoors at a temperature of around 10 °C. Provide this plant with sturdy support.
