Family: Bignoniaceae
Common Name: Cross vine

This beautiful evergreen climber will cover a large area very quickly with its long, narrow, glossy leaves and striking clusters of orange trumpet-shaped flowers. Its long, terminal tendrils cling to surfaces by means of tiny discs. There were previously many climbing plants included in this genus but this is now the only species.

Species

B. capreolata, cross vine, blooms in late spring or summer. The flowers are orange-red and are produced in abundance.

Cultivation

Best grown in a cool greenhouse or conservatory in very frosty climates. Outdoors, this plant will need a trellis or wire for support. It is best grown in full sun, with shelter from cold winds. The soil should be well drained and heavily enriched with organic matter. Water regularly throughout spring and summer, but much less often in cooler weather. Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer to early autumn or from ripe seed if available.

Climate

Zone 9 and above.