Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata) is a fast-growing woody perennial vine, native to the southeastern United States, that brings a striking display to gardens. It is known for its showy, trumpet-shaped flowers, which appear in generous clusters. Understanding its various cultivars helps in selecting the ideal plant for specific landscaping needs.
Understanding Crossvine Characteristics
Crossvine varieties exhibit several distinguishing characteristics that influence their garden performance. Flower color is a primary differentiator, with the species typically displaying orange-red blooms, while cultivars offer a palette ranging from deep reds to various shades of orange and yellow. Bloom time can also vary slightly among varieties, though most produce a significant flush of flowers in spring, with sporadic reblooming possible through summer and fall.
Foliage variations contribute to the vine’s overall aesthetic. Crossvine leaves are generally glossy and dark green, often turning a reddish-purple hue in colder winter conditions, particularly in the northern parts of its hardiness range. Differences in mature size and vigor are also notable, as some cultivars are bred for more compact growth, while others can reach impressive lengths of 30 to 50 feet. Most varieties thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 9, though some may tolerate Zone 5 with potential leaf loss in harsh winters.
Popular Crossvine Varieties
‘Tangerine Beauty’ is a widely recognized cultivar, known for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that are typically a blend of apricot and golden rust with yellow throats. This vigorous vine produces abundant blooms in late spring, with intermittent flowering continuing into fall. It can grow up to 20-30 feet and clings to various surfaces with adhesive tendrils.
‘Atrosanguinea’, sometimes marketed as ‘Dragon Lady’, features deeper, more reddish-purple or brick-red flowers, providing a distinct color variation from the species. This cultivar generally grows shorter than the species, typically reaching 15 to 30 feet, and is noted for its glossy, evergreen foliage that can take on a reddish-purple tint in cooler weather.
‘Shalimar’ features distinctive yellow or apricot flowers, offering a brighter alternative to the more common orange and red tones. It shares the general vigorous growth habit of crossvines.
‘Jekyll’ is an orange-red variety, known for its strong growth and consistent flowering. ‘Copper Beauty’ displays coppery-orange blooms, adding another unique shade to the crossvine palette. It provides a warm, earthy tone to the garden. These cultivars demonstrate the range of aesthetic choices available within the crossvine species.
Choosing the Right Crossvine
Selecting the appropriate crossvine variety depends on specific garden needs and aesthetic preferences. The desired flower color is a primary consideration, as cultivars offer a range from deep reds and coppery oranges to vibrant tangerines and yellows. Gardeners should also assess the available space, as crossvines are vigorous climbers that can reach significant heights and widths, requiring ample room to spread or suitable support structures.
Consider your climate and USDA Hardiness Zone. The type of support structure, such as a trellis, arbor, or fence, should influence the choice. Consider whether a particularly fast-growing vine is needed to quickly cover an area or if a more contained growth habit is preferred.
General Crossvine Care
Crossvine thrives in full sun to partial shade, with more abundant flowering occurring in sunnier locations receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It adapts to a wide range of soils but performs best in well-drained, organically rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.5 and 8.0. While tolerant of brief periods of standing water, good drainage is generally preferred.
Consistent watering is beneficial, especially for young plants, but established crossvines are notably drought-tolerant. Deep watering, ensuring moisture penetrates 6-8 inches into the soil, encourages strong root development. Pruning is not always necessary but can be done to control growth, maintain shape, or promote more prolific flowering. The best time for pruning is typically after the main spring bloom, as crossvine flowers on old wood.