Rhodochiton atrosanguineum

(See below for growing tips)

Chinese Purple Bell Vine – Extremely beautiful rapid growing climber that starts flowering in June and continues until killed by frost. Delightful parasol-shaped fuchsia pink calyx with black/purple to crimson 2½in flowers within. Sunny pergolas, porches, walls. Flowers mid summer to autumn. Sowing Instructions. Sow from late winter to early spring in John Innes Seed Compost just covering the seed with compost. Make sure that the compost is moist but not wet and seal in a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 12-40 days at 15-18C (60-65F). Growing Instructions. Transplant when large enough to handle into 8cm (3in) pots and grow on in cooler conditions. Pot up finally into 13cm (5in) pots. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 23cm (9in) apart in a sunny spot in deep moist, moderately rich soil. Alternatively, pot up into 20cm (8in) pots and train up canes in a cold greenhouse where it will flower well into the autumn. Flowering Period. Summer to Autumn