Cross vine is also known as trumpet flower bignonia capreolata due to the long, tubular way its red or orange flowers grow.

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This plant is commonly called a cross vine because when the stem is cut, it reveals a cross shaped pith.

It is also known as a trumpet flower bignonia capreolata due to the long, tubular way it red or orange flowers grow. Hummingbirds find the vine flowers very attractive and will frequent gardens that grow them

Bignonia Capreolata Description

The vine is native to the areas in the central and southern United States.

The bignonia capreolata is distinguished by its red or yellow tubular 2 to 5 cluster flowers , the cross vine can grow up to a height of 50 feet tall and can spread out to cover an area of up to 9 feet wide.

Though it has no tendrils, it can climb without twining. Since it can climb up to very high heights, the dark green leaves usually appear only in the topmost portion of the plan.

During the cold winter months, the leaves changes color from dark green to reddish purple

Bignonia Capreolata Cultivation and Care

The vine is hardy 6a to 9b

This plant will flourish in full sun, but will also adapt to partial shade conditions. It prefers moist and rich soil.

It does not need to be watered very frequently. The bignonia capreolata is commonly found trailing up trees and covering the whole trunk area.

They climb by means of using their tendrils. The cross vine will spread by root sprouting when left on its own. It can be propagated through seed, by sprouting, or by cutting.

The seeds are collected during late summer or fall when they start to dry and are light brown in color.

This is an easy plant to grow and it is drought tolerant. This plant is requires only occasional pruning maintenance and will have hardly any pest problems.

The blooming period is from August to September.

It is ideally planted at the base of pine trees and to trail up support like fences and trellis. Make sure to give it enough space, at it can spread up to 9 feet wide.