Reviewing
Cosmos 'Sensation' Seeds26 Aug 2026
Can't go wrong with Cosmos
Lovely packet of seeds, bought one for me and one as gift :)
Gareth
Cobaea Scandens 'Alba' Seeds
Cobaea Scandens 'Alba'
Often referred to as cathedral bells, Cobaea originates from the American tropics and naturally is a robust woody perennial. In colder climates, its versatility means it can be grown as an annual, adding height to sunny borders or patios. Under the right conditions, this vine can flower vigorously throughout the year.
Approx 5 seeds
- Balcony Friendly
- Sun Loving
- Low Maintenance
- Compact for Pots
Cobaea Scandens 'Alba' Seeds – Quick Growing Guide
Cobaea scandens 'Alba' seeds produce vigorous, climbing cup and saucer vine with striking white bell-shaped flowers. Sow seeds from January to May. They prefer warm, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade for best flowering throughout summer and early autumn.
How to Sow, Grow and Harvest Cobaea Scandens 'Alba' Seeds
- Sow:Jan–May
- Germination:7–14 days
- Grow:Support climbers in full sun or partial shade with fertile, well-drained soil
- Water:Keep soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells
- Harvest:Flowers bloom summer to early autumn; pick for indoor display if desired
- Best for:Pots, trellises, garden beds
Cobaea Scandens Alba, known as the cup & saucer vine, is a vigorous climber with elegant bell-shaped white flowers. Native to the American tropics, it thrives in sunny spots and can be grown as a fast-growing annual in the UK. Its robust growth makes it ideal for adding height and interest to patios, fences or trellises, while supporting pollinators.
Delivered within 2–3 working days. On its own, this packet ships letterbox delivery at £2.25. Fits through a standard letterbox, so no one needs to be home.
Delivery is priced on the size of your whole order, so adding more may move it into the next band:
- Letterbox delivery — small orders
- £2.25
- Standard delivery — most orders
- £4.50
- Standard delivery (multiple parcels) — large orders
- £7.50
- Free delivery (orders £60 and over)
- Free
Gifting. We can include a handwritten note — add your message at checkout.
More info in our FAQs, or get in touch if something hasn’t arrived.
Grow in Your Garden
Cobaea Scandens Alba – White Cup & Saucer Vine Seeds
Calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
SowFlowers / Harvest
How to Grow
Cobaea Scandens 'Alba' seeds can be started indoors or outdoors from January to May in a sunny spot with support, as this tender perennial thrives when given a climbing structure. It prefers well-drained soil to encourage healthy growth and abundant summer flowering.
Sowing
Sow one seed per hole on its side, covering lightly with soil to aid germination during the sowing months of January through May. Maintaining consistent moisture will help the seeds sprout effectively.
Growing
Once seedlings emerge, provide sturdy support to accommodate the vigorous climbing habit of Cobaea Scandens 'Alba', which suits balconies, containers (20 cm pot size), and garden beds. Thin plants as needed to avoid overcrowding and ensure good airflow for the best display from July to November.
Plant care
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during the active growing months. This self-sufficient climber benefits from training onto supports and occasional feeding once flowering begins to maintain prolific blooms through late summer and autumn.
About Cobaea Scandens 'Alba'
Ideal for pots, pergolas and sunny walls, Cobaea scandens is a fast-growing climbing plant with striking white bell-shaped flowers. Loved by pollinators, it brings height, drama and an exotic feel to summer gardens.
- Balcony Friendly
- Sun Loving
- Low Maintenance
- Compact for Pots
Eventual height & spread
2.5m
6m
History of Cobaea Scandens 'Alba'
Cobaea scandens Alba is also called Mexican ivy or monastery bells. Though a tender perennial in warmer climates, it is treated as an annual in the UK. Its bell-like flowers provide a distinctive look and attract beneficial insects.
| Other Names | Cup and Saucer Vine, Mexican Ivy, Cathedral Bells and Monastery Bells |
|---|---|
| Pet/Baby Safe | Non-toxic |
FAQs
It is a fast-growing climber, often reaching full height within a single growing season.
No, it is grown as an annual in the UK due to frost sensitivity.
Full sun and well-drained soil with support for climbing.
Yes — this is a straightforward packet to give, and what makes it work as a gift is mostly timing. Sowing runs January to May, so a packet given inside that window can go straight in, and one given outside it keeps perfectly well until the season comes round.
There are approximately 5 seeds in the packet. On effort it looks after itself, which matters if you are giving it to someone new to growing. It suits pots, trellises and garden beds, so it works for a small space as well as a garden.
Reviews
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