Restraint is a foreign word for the bell vine. It shows such breathtaking growth that a dense coat of leaves is already spreading when the magnificent goblet flowers appear in June. How you can properly cultivate the dynamic bellweed and, with a little skill, even overwinter it he althily is no longer hidden from you. Read practical answers to frequently asked questions here.
How do I care for a bell vine?
The bell vine (Cobaea scandens) is a fast-growing and flowering climbing plant that appears from June to frost. It prefers sunny, warm locations and fresh, moist, nutrient-rich soil. Regular watering and phosphorus-rich fertilizer support their flower formation and lush growth.
Planting bell vines correctly
You can plant your morning glory, grown behind glass or purchased from a garden center, in the bed from mid-May. Place the potted root ball in water until no more air bubbles appear. Meanwhile, dig planting pits 30 cm apart with twice the volume of the root ball. The steps continue:
- Enrich the excavation with compost, horn shavings and a little sand
- Plant a potted plant in each planting hole so deep that the soil reaches the bottom pair of leaves
- Water with a good sip of water and mulch with leaves or grass clippings
If the tendrils are already long enough, attach them to the lower struts of the climbing aid. As it progresses, the bell vine finds its way up independently thanks to its claw-shaped climbing organs.read more
Care tips
The pivotal point of proper care is the regular and plentiful supply of irrigation water. All other cultivation measures follow this. How to do it right:
- Water the morning glory abundantly and regularly as soon as the soil has dried out
- Fertilize with phosphorus every 4 weeks from May to September
- Clean up wilted flowers as soon as possible
If the mercury falls below 10 degrees in autumn, move the bell vine to the bright winter quarters with temperatures of 10-12 degrees Celsius.
Which location is suitable?
In the sunny, warm and airy location, bell bindweed shows its most beautiful side. The exorbitant water requirement is reduced in partially shaded locations; In return, the abundance of flowers falls short of expectations. A place protected from the rain under an awning or eaves is an advantage, as pelting rain affects the beauty of the flowers.read more
What soil does the plant need?
The bell bindweed finds the perfect conditions in a nutrient-rich, humus-loose and fresh, moist soil. The claw winch achieves its optimum in loamy-sandy, not too dry soil with good drainage. For the substrate in the pot, we recommend a mix of potting soil, compost, horn shavings, sand and perlite.
When is flowering time?
From June/July until the first frost, the Cobaea scandens enchants us with nodding bell flowers on 15-20 cm long stems. They initially appear in a subtle green and white, but over time the flower color changes to an intense violet, subtle yellow or elegant creamy white. A single flower only lasts a few days. If you clean out withered flowers as soon as possible, the buds underneath will unfold to continue the flower spectacle.
Cut the bell vine correctly
Apart from regularly cleaning out the withered flowers, the bell bindweed does not receive any pruning. If the rapid growth exceeds the intended framework, you can safely shorten tendrils that are too long. If the bell vine thrives in the pot, cut the plant back to 50 cm in autumn and move it to the bright, frost-free winter quarters.
Watering the bell vine
The breathtaking flood of lush green leaves results in a high degree of evaporation, especially during warm summer days. Therefore, water abundantly and regularly. It is best to check daily with a thumb test whether the soil has dried out in order to meet the high water requirements in good time. Avoid watering the tendrils, but rather apply the irrigation water directly to the root disk.
Fertilize the bell vine properly
In contrast to the high watering requirement, the nutrient balance is at a medium to low level. Fertilize a morning glory every 4 weeks from May to September with a phosphorus-concentrated preparation (€8.00 on Amazon). Avoid giving nitrogen-rich fertilizers, such as blue grain, as these specifically promote leaf growth, which is at the expense of flower abundance.
Wintering
Mother Nature actually intended a bellweed to live for several years. In the local regions, however, the plan fails due to the frosty temperatures, as the tropical beauty is not winter-proof. You can overwinter the climbing artist using the following procedure, provided she thrives in a pot:
- Put away in autumn when temperatures are below 10 degrees Celsius
- Previously cut back to a maximum length of 50 cm
- Place in a bright, cool location at 10-12 degrees Celsius
- Water little and do not fertilize
From the end of February, gradually accustom the plant to warmer temperatures and sunlight. After the Ice Saints, your floral winter guest can go outside again.read more
Propagate bell vine
Propagate the morning glory by sowing the seeds in February or March. In small pots, place 2-3 seeds 0.5 cm into the lean substrate, moisten and place the containers in a partially shaded location at 18-22 degrees Celsius. Prune the seedlings several times so that they branch lushly and grow bushy.
Bell vine in pot
Choose a 30-40 cm high pot with a volume of at least 10 liters and an integrated climbing aid. As a substrate, we recommend a mixture of potting soil, compost, leaf mold, horn shavings and sand. Drainage made of pottery shards above the water drain is essential. Water the morning glory as soon as the soil has dried out. In pot cultivation, a liquid fertilizer with an extra high phosphorus content has proven to be effective for uncomplicated nutrient supply. It is important to note that you clean out wilted flowers consistently.
Is bell vine poisonous?
The bell bindweed is not poisonous. This makes the majestic vine ideal for cultivation in the family garden. This also applies to the obvious seed heads that develop in autumn. Collect these without hesitation to raise another generation next year.read more
Beautiful varieties
- Violet Beauty: A classic variety, with huge bell flowers in intense purple, richly flowering and suitable for cutting
- Bell sound: wonderful mixture of a bell bindweed for a white and blue sea of flowers up to 400 cm high
- Violet Bell: The ideal variety for fences, arbors, rose arches and the balcony, thanks to a height of 200-250 cm
- Cathedral Bells: Majestic bell vines with purple flowers on up to 600 cm long tendrils
- Cobaea scandens White: Vigorous bellweed that harmonizes impressively with roses thanks to its white flowers
