About

Cobaea scandens f. alba is a vigorous perennial vine typically cultivated as an annual. It produces bell-shaped flowers that reach up to 5 cm in length, initially appearing greenish before maturing to a creamy-white hue. The blooms emit a honey-like fragrance.

About the genus

Cobaea consists of climbing plants that can be either woody or herbaceous. They feature pinnate leaves with branched tendrils and produce large, solitary, bell-shaped blooms located in the upper leaf axils.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H2

Plant details

Plant type
Climber Wall Shrub, Annual Biennial
Habit
Climbing
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
8-12 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Patio and container plants
Fragrance
Flower

Care notes

Cultivation
Under glass grow in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. When in growth feed with a low nitrogen liquid fertilizer monthly. May be grown outdoors as an annual in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun
Pruning
Pruning group 11 after flowering
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 18°C in spring plant out when the danger of frosts has passed
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free