The coral vine will quickly cover fences, trellises and arbors with heart shaped leaves and pretty pink flowers

Antigonon Leptopus, Coral Vine

The Antigonon Leptopus, also known as Coral Vine, is a favorite among the landscaping plants. This plant is called Cadena de Amor, Spanish for Chain of Love. The roots of this plant are considered as a delicacy is Mexico. The flowers and leaves are made into decoctions to relieve respiratory ailments, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels and as a health tonic.

Description

A woody vine, with stems that can extend up to 10 meters, it is small light to dark pink flowers that grow in clumps. It has climbing tendrils and dark green heart shaped leaves. The fruit of these plants is oval in shape with a wide base that becomes narrower at the tip. This plant is also used in flower arrangements

A hardy plant that can tolerate lack of space, poor soil, drought and inadequate light, it can survive freezing winters when mulched with a layer of about 8 inches.

This plant can be grown in any type of soil that has adequate drainage. It flourishes in full sun and needs to be regularly as moist soil with make better blooms.

The ground must be allowed to dry in between waterings. During winter, watering has to be done or the leaves will wilt. The root tubers can also be taken out of the ground and stored in a cool, dry place over the cold season.

Pruning is done after the bloom period which happens usually during summer or early in the fall. Pruning should be done to encourage a healthy root system for the winter months. It can be propagated by seed, cuttings or root division. The seeds are to be harvested when the flower is in full bloom. Placing the seeds lightly covered in a moist growing medium. Allow the seed to germinate for 21 to 30 days in the refrigerator. After this period, the sprouts will come out and your seedlings can be transplanted.

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