How to Grow Blue Bees
Blue Bees
Rhodochiton atrosanguineus
vineBlue Bees, also known as Purple Bell Vine, is a tender perennial climbing vine native to Mexico, prized for its striking tubular flowers that transition from deep purple-black buds to vibrant purple-blue blooms. The heart-shaped leaves provide attractive foliage, while the pendulous flowers create an exotic, shade-tolerant display. It's commonly grown as an annual in cooler climates or as a container plant.
When should you plant Blue Bees in your zone?
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Example Blue Bees timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Blue Bees
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Blue Bees
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Blue Bees dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 9-11; grow as an annual or container plant in zones 5-8
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Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny heart-shaped cotyledons emerge, developing first true leaves within 2-3 weeks. Very delicate growth requiring consistent moisture and warmth.
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Keep soil at 70-75°F. Provide bright, indirect light. Avoid overwatering to prevent damping off.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and climbing tendrils, with heart-shaped leaves becoming more prominent. Vine actively grows in length and fullness.
Provide trellis or support structure. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushier growth. Feed monthly with balanced fertilizer. Keep soil consistently moist.
Flowering
8-12 weeks or until frostDeep purple-black tubular buds form at leaf axils, gradually opening into striking bell-shaped flowers with purple-blue corollas. Flowers dangle gracefully from stems.
Maintain consistent moisture and humidity. Shift to bloom-promoting fertilizer (higher phosphorus). Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Maintain partial shade for best color.
Maturity/Late Season
Until frost or year-round in warm zonesPlant reaches full size with dense foliage and abundant, continuous flowers. Flowering may slow as temperatures cool in fall.
Continue deadheading for prolonged blooms. Reduce watering slightly as growth slows. In zones 9-11, reduce fertilizing as dormancy approaches.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7-10 days; remove affected leaves; ensure good air circulation
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Increase humidity with frequent misting; spray with water forcefully; use miticide if severe; neem oil is effective
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects
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Spray with strong water jet; use insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; attract ladybugs
Uses
Exotic Garden Accent
OrnamentalThe striking purple-blue flowers and graceful vining habit make Blue Bees an excellent choice for trellises, arbors, hanging baskets, and container displays. It brings tropical elegance to shaded garden spots. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdThe unique tubular flowers with prominent calyxes are excellent for fresh flower arrangements and add exotic appeal to bouquets and floral designs. The dangling flowers create dynamic, artistic compositions. [source]
Hummingbird & Pollinator Plant
WildlifeThe tubular purple flowers attract hummingbirds and various bee species, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens. The nectar-rich blooms provide essential food sources throughout the growing season. [source]
Container & Patio Plant
OrnamentalBlue Bees thrives in large containers (12-18 inches diameter), making it perfect for patios, balconies, and entryways in temperate zones. The cascading flowers create stunning visual interest in hanging containers. [source]
Harvest Tips
Blue Bees is not harvested for fruit or edible parts. Enjoy the cut flowers by harvesting 6-12 inch stems with open or opening blooms in early morning. Change water every 2-3 days for longest vase life (7-14 days). Deadhead spent flowers on the plant to promote continuous blooming through the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Despite the common name 'Blue Bees,' the plant is not related to bees; the name likely refers to the bee-like appearance of the unopened purple-black buds, which resemble small bees clustered on the vine.
- 🌱 Blue Bees is a relatively recent discovery in horticulture, gaining popularity in specialty nurseries only in the last 20-30 years, making it an exotic treasure for adventurous gardeners.
- 🌱 The plant exhibits a fascinating color transformation: tight, nearly black tubular buds gradually open to reveal vibrant purple-blue flowers with dramatic contrasting colors that shift slightly as the flower matures.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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