You know the purple bell? Are you sure you really know it? There are two plants called purple bells. While one plant is a perennial ground cover, the other is a pretty climbing plant
What is the purple bell as a climbing plant?
The purple bell Rhodochiton atrosanguineus is an annual climbing plant from the plantain family. It is characterized by its black-red and purple flowers, prefers a full sun location and is not hardy.
One plant is a ground cover, the other is a climbing plant
Both plants could hardly be more different. Check out this summary of their features in comparison!
| Heuchera sanguinea | Rhodochiton atrosanguineus | |
|---|---|---|
| Plant family | Saxifrage family | Plantain family |
| Growth | ground cover | slinging |
| leaves | hand-shaped, often patterned | heart-shaped, juicy green |
| Flowering time | May to July | July to August |
| Flower color | white, pink or purple | black red and purple |
| Lifespan | perennial | annual |
| Special features | evergreen | exotic looking |
| Origin | North America | Mexico |
| Location | Penumbra | Sun |
The purple bell Rhodochiton atrosanguineus is also known under the names rose chalice, rose mantle, purple bell wine or monkey swing. In contrast to its namesake, it impresses more with its flowers than with its strikingly colored, evergreen foliage. It is preferred to plant it in pots as it is not hardy in this country.
Which location does Rhodochiton atrosanguineus prefer?
In contrast to Heuchera, which prefers a partially shaded location, Rhodochiton atrosanguineus needs a full sun location. This should be in a protected location. Otherwise, this climbing plant could quickly fall. House walls with a trellis attached to them are well suited for them. But hanging lights, for example on the balcony, are also ideal.
How to care for Rhodochiton atrosanguineus?
While Heuchera requires a lot of moisture to care for, Rhodochiton atrosanguineus can also tolerate short-term dryness. Nevertheless, it is recommended to water abundantly in summer.
Regular fertilization is also crucial in care and especially for a rich flower flora. Fertilization should be carried out every 2 weeks in summer. After the flowering period, autumn approaches. Since the plant does not tolerate frost, it must be placed indoors in a bright place that is around 15 °C warm. We recommend cutting back beforehand.
Tip
If you cannot overwinter Rhodochiton atrosanguineus, it is no problem to reseed the plant next spring.