Cochliasanthus caracalla, commonly known as the Corkscrew Vine or Snail Vine, is a perennial vine in frost-free climates, and can be grown as an annual in colder regions. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, often found in moist forested areas where it can climb on other vegetation. This vine can reach lengths of up to 20 feet (6 meters) under ideal conditions, with a twining growth habit that allows it to cover structures or climb trees with ease.

The Corkscrew Vine is celebrated for its unique and highly fragrant flowers, which bloom from late summer to autumn. The flowers start as white with purple streaks and transition to cream and then yellow as they age, hanging in clusters up to twelve inches long. The blooms are particularly showy due to their spiral shape, resembling corkscrews or nautilus shells. The plant’s fragrance is strong and has been compared to that of Chinese wisteria, jasmine, and magnolia, detectable from up to 15 feet away. After pollination, typically by bees, seed pods develop, resembling pea pods. Gardeners value this vine for its ornamental flowers, fragrance, and ability to attract pollinators like ants and bees. It is used for vertical interest in gardens, on trellises, arbors, or fences, and is also suitable for container gardening when overwintered indoors in colder climates. Cochliasanthus caracalla thrives in full sun, requiring consistently moist soil with good drainage. It is hardy in USDA zones 9 and above, preferring high heat and humidity. To propagate from seeds, pods should be harvested while green to avoid damage from cold weather.CC BY-SA 4.0