How to Grow Clouds of Perfume
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Clouds of Perfume
Rhodochiton atrosanguineus
vineClouds of Perfume is a tender perennial climbing vine native to Mexico, known for its delicate, fragrant tubular flowers that bloom prolifically throughout the growing season. The plant features heart-shaped leaves and produces masses of small, purple-red flowers with a sweet, distinctive fragrance. It's often grown as an annual in cooler climates or as a houseplant due to its sensitivity to frost.
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Example Clouds of Perfume timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Clouds of Perfume
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 Clouds of Perfume
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives year-round in zones 10-11; grow as an annual or containerized plant in zones 5-9
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Get my Clouds of Perfume timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons (seed leaves), developing the first true heart-shaped leaves
Keep soil moist and warm (70-75°F). Provide bright indirect light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding. Mist lightly to maintain humidity.
Vegetative
4-6 weeksPlant produces multiple stems with heart-shaped leaves and climbing tendrils. Growth is vigorous and foliage becomes fuller.
Provide a trellis or support structure for climbing. Pinch tips early to encourage branching. Maintain consistent moisture and humidity. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with diluted balanced fertilizer.
Flowering
6-10 weeks or until frost/end of growing seasonSmall, tubular purple-red flowers appear in clusters along the stems. Flowers emit a sweet, distinctive fragrance, especially in evening.
Continue regular watering and feeding to support continuous blooms. Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooming. Ensure adequate air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Seed Development
4-6 weeks after floweringIf flowers are not removed, small seed capsules develop. Seeds mature inside papery pod-like structures.
Allow some flowers to fade if you want to collect seeds for next year. Leave pods on plant until dry and papery before harvesting.
Dormancy/Winter
3-4 monthsIn zones below 10, plant dies back after frost or can be brought indoors as a houseplant with reduced growth
If growing indoors, reduce watering and provide cooler temperatures (50-60°F). Maintain humidity with occasional misting. Resume normal care in spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, spray with water, use neem oil or miticide if severe
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap
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Scrape off manually, treat with horticultural oil or neem oil
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, use sulfur spray or fungicide if needed
Uses
Edible flowers
CulinaryThe fragrant flowers can be used as an edible garnish for desserts, beverages, and salads, adding both visual appeal and subtle floral flavor notes. [source]
Fragrance and aromatics
HouseholdThe plant's sweet fragrance is ideal for perfuming living spaces, patios, and gardens, especially in evening hours when scent is strongest. Cut sprigs can be brought indoors for natural room fragrance. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
CraftDelicate sprigs of flowers are suitable for fresh floral arrangements, corsages, and decorative displays, with a vase life of several days. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe abundant tubular flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it valuable for wildlife gardens. [source]
Ornamental screening and trellising
HouseholdVigorous climbing growth makes it excellent for covering trellises, arbors, fences, and creating vertical gardens with continuous floral display. [source]
Harvest Tips
This vine is grown primarily for flowers and fragrance rather than harvest. Enjoy blooms fresh on the plant or cut short sprigs for indoor arrangements and their sweet fragrance. To collect seeds, allow some flowers to dry on the vine until seed pods turn papery and brown, then harvest and dry further indoors before storing.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Despite its common name 'Clouds of Perfume,' the plant is botanically known as Rhodochiton atrosanguineus, with 'atrosanguineus' meaning 'dark blood-red,' referring to its flower color.
- 🌱 The flowers are particularly fragrant in the evening and morning hours, releasing their sweet scent to attract nocturnal pollinators.
- 🌱 In its native Mexican habitat, this plant grows as a perennial woody vine in subtropical forests, but it's tender and frost-sensitive outside its native range.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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