Skill Level: Beginner – Intermediate (small seed technique)
Codonopsis convolvulacea ssp. Grey wilsonii is an unusual vine from the high, open slopes of Yunnan and Sichuan where it weaves through shrubs and over rock. In cultivation it grows as a slender, twining climber to 3-10ft (depending on source) in bright shade. What sets this subspecies apart is its extraordinary bloom: relatively large, flared, purple blue flowers with a dark, dramatic ring and occasional white forms, far showier and less bell shaped than the typical Codonopsis silhouette. Hardy in zone 7, it brings a mid-summer presence that tends to start a conversation.
Our Seed Germination Experience
Codonopsis seed is fine so shouldn’t be stored for longer than 12 months without compromising viability. We surface sow and provide light, treating it like other dust‑fine alpines: a firmed medium, gentle misting, and steady moisture. Germination usually appears in under 3 weeks at room temperature, with no stratification or special handling required.
From seed to first bloom typically takes 2–3 years, depending on light and soil warmth, but once established it becomes a reliable, returning climber with some of the most remarkable flowers in the genus. As with most codonopsis, it prefers not to live in a pot.
Photo from efloraofindia.com
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