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Bignoniaceae

Crossvine has shiny, evergreen to semi-evergreen leaves and large, showy, funnel-shaped flowers that are orange to red, trimmed with yellow. It is a high climbing vine that can reach 60 feet, and up to 20 feet in one season - an excellent choice for walls, fences and arbors. It has appendages on the ends of its tendrils that cling to surfaces, so that it can climb a brick wall or wood arbor without support wires. Its stems are small, and although it grows fast once it has become established, which can take a year or two in limestone, it is not invasive or hard to control. Native to moist woods in East Texas, crossvine flourishes in partial shade; it will grow in deeper shade, but flowering will be best if it has some sun. To do well in full sun, it will need more moisture and soil amended with organic matter. Crossvine blooms on new wood, so pruning after the first flowering should extend the season's bloom period.

Plant Habit or Use: groundcover
vine

Exposure: sun
partial sun
shade

Flower Color: red to orange with yellow

Blooming Period: spring
summer

Fruit Characteristics: long, woody capsule

Height: to 60 feet

Width: 1 foot

Plant Character: semievergreen

Heat Tolerance: high

Water Requirements:

Soil Requirements: adaptable

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6

Additional Comments: