cross vine
Bignonia capreolata
MBG Plant of Merit 2013
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size35 to 50 feet tall6 to 9 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, winter
- Bloom color
- Orange-red
- Foliage color
- Green, purple/lavender
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Cross vine (Bignonia capreolata) is a vine for borders, pollinator gardens, winter interest, and woodland edges. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to wet soil of most types. Orange-red trumpet flowers draw hummingbirds and butterflies, and glossy leaves turn reddish-purple in winter. Deer rarely make it their first choice. Give it room to climb.
Pairs well with Nelly Moser clematis, Big bluestem, and Christmas fern.
Native range
Southern Ontario and eastern United States.