Download the free app

Corkscrew vine

Cochliasanthus caracalla

Snail creeper, Snailflower, Snail bean (Eng.)

This perennial vine has fragrant flowers said to be reminiscent of hyacinths, with a distinctive curled shape, giving rise to the common names. This is a non-invasive species, that will quickly cover a pergola.

Planning

Difficulty

Easy

Flowering time

Summer, Autumn

Fruiting time

Autumn

Harvesting

Flowers can be cut during the 6 week flowering time. Seeds can be harvested from the seed pods once they are ripe. If in a frost prone area, harvest the seed pods while still green.

Propagation

Seed

Sow seeds in a sunny area in springtime, 7cm apart and cover with 1cm of light soil firmed down, keep the soil moist at all times while germinating.

Special features

Attracts useful insects

The plant grows white buds that produce nectar, which attracts ants, who then pollinate the flowers.

Attractive flowers

Highly fragrant, multicolored, corkscrew or spiral shaped flowers. The flowers are extremely wavy, immature blossoms very much resemble multicolored spirals or corkscrews.