Cathedral bells

Description

Cobaea scandens, the cup-and-saucer vine, cathedral bells, Mexican ivy, or 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 (confirmed 2017). A white form exists, C. scandens f. alba. This plant has become a common weed in New Zealand, probably as a garden escape.