Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata), often called “Binker,” is a native woody perennial vine. It offers significant visual appeal, known for its vigorous climbing habit and abundant, attractive flowers. It rapidly covers vertical spaces, providing a lush backdrop or vibrant focal point. Its adaptability and low maintenance make it a desirable choice for various landscape designs.
Key Features and Growth Habits
Crossvine is a robust, woody perennial vine, typically reaching 30 to 50 feet high and spreading 6 to 9 feet wide. Its foliage consists of glossy, dark green leaves that are semi-evergreen or evergreen, often taking on a reddish-purple hue in colder winter temperatures. The leaves are compound, with two leaflets and a specialized tendril that ends in small adhesive disks, allowing the vine to cling securely to surfaces without additional support.
Its trumpet-shaped flowers typically bloom in spring, often with repeat blooms throughout the growing season. These showy blossoms are commonly reddish-orange with yellow interiors, though cultivars offer variations in solid orange, yellow, or red. Flowers appear in clusters of two to five and are approximately 2 inches long. Crossvine gets its common name from the cross-shaped pattern visible in a cross-section of its stem.
Getting Started with Your Plant
Successful establishment begins with selecting an appropriate planting site. This vine thrives in full sun, which promotes the most abundant flowering, though it tolerates partial shade with fewer blooms. Crossvine adapts to a wide range of soil types, preferring moist, well-drained, organically rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.5 and 8.0. It can tolerate brief periods of standing water once established.
When preparing the planting site, dig a hole two to three times wider and as deep as the plant’s rootball. Gently loosen some feeder roots around the rootball’s surface. Position the plant so the top of the rootball is level with the surrounding ground. Water thoroughly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to encourage strong root development during the first growing season. Provide a support structure like a trellis, fence, or arbor at planting for vertical growth.
Essential Care Requirements
Crossvine requires consistent moisture during establishment, ensuring well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Once established, the plant becomes quite drought tolerant, needing supplemental watering only during extended dry periods.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., NPK 8-5-5 or 10-10-10) in early spring before new growth and flowering. A second application can be beneficial after the main bloom fades in mid-summer. Avoid over-fertilizing. Pruning manages size, shape, and promotes blooms, though not strictly required for health. Prune immediately after spring flowering, as Crossvine blooms on old wood. Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation and encourage new growth.
Addressing Common Challenges
Crossvine is generally robust with good resistance to pests and diseases, making it low-maintenance. However, some issues can occasionally arise. Aphids and spider mites might sometimes affect the foliage. Aphids are small, sap-feeding insects that often congregate on new growth, which can lead to a sticky residue called honeydew.
Infrequent fungal diseases include leaf spot, blight, or black mildew. Leaf spot appears as speckles, while blight causes dark areas. These fungal issues can be managed with fungicidal sprays.
Environmental stresses like drought can cause wilting in new leaves, signaling a need for deep watering. Nutrient deficiencies are uncommon with proper fertilization, but balanced soil nutrients support overall plant health. Crossvine can spread via root suckers; remove them to prevent unwanted spread.