This year at Wodonga TAFE we grew a few samples and they looked pretty spectacular before the cold weather ruined the show.  

The Cup and Saucer Vine is also known as Cathedral Bells or Monastery Bells. It was named Cobaea after Bernabe Cobo – a 16th century Jesuit priest. Bernabe Cobo was from Spain and he spent many years as a missionary in South and Central America where he wrote a history of the Incas.

This plant ironically is from Central and South America where it grows rapidly and can reach up to 10 metres plus in height and width – this plant is a climber. This climber will produce flowers all the way from late spring until autumn but in our region the cold weather knocks it for six so we tend to treat it like an annual plant.

The Cobaea vine grows best in a sunny position, in really hot climates it may need a bit of afternoon shade just to stop it being cooked by 40 plus degree heat.  This plant needs a rich soil that is well drained and regular watering is essential during the hot weather.

Grow your vines from seed for a good result. Seeds are readily available and best soaked for a couple of hours in warm water before you sow them. Don’t panic if nothing happens after a few days, sometimes germination takes three to four weeks. Get the seed in early, even as early as August, but keep them well protected in a glasshouse until after the last frosts.  

The flowers are pretty special and really do look like a cup and saucer. The flowers start out white/green but will change and become purple with age. They use bats as a pollinator so often release a musky smell late in the late afternoon and into the early evening.

In the language of flowers the Cobaea stands for gossip which spreads as rapidly as this vine spreads in ideal conditions. If the Cobaea is your cup of tea, think about growing this unusual flower.   

The Agriculture/Horticulture Department at Wodonga TAFE have short courses available throughout the year in a number of different disciplines.  If you need training in the AgVet Chemical Users Course, chainsaw training or even training in side by side utility vehicles. Contact the department on 1300 698 233.