Rhodochiton

A fascinating tender climber from Mexico, rhodochiton, or purple bell vine, bears long dangling flowers resembling drop earrings, from midsummer to autumn. Each flower is composed of a long, slender, purple-black tube growing out of a chalice-shaped mauve calyx. The plants are useful for covering trellis or arches, or adding interest to the bare base of other climbers. Grow rhodochiton in moist but well-drained soil in full sun.