Corkscrew Vine Overview
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.
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Corkscrew Vine
Cochliasanthus caracalla
Also known as
Snail Creeper, Snailflower, Snail Bean, Corkscrew flower
Full Sun
Easy care
Frequent watering
Tender
13b
USDA zone
18°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
6m | Max | 6m |
2m | Min | 40cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a strong fragrance
Common problems with Corkscrew Vine
Aphids, control by encouraging beneficial predators like Lady bugs.
How to harvest Corkscrew Vine
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.
How to propagate Corkscrew Vine
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 of Corkscrew Vine
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.
Other uses of Corkscrew Vine
Grown mainly as crop plants for their leaves, pods and seeds.