Bignonia capreolata

Common Names

Crossvine, Cross Vine, Cross-Vine, Trumpet Flower, Quartervine, Quarter Vine

Summary

Crossvine is a southeastern United States native woody climbing vine that is evergreen or semi-evergreen and clings with branched tendrils. It has opposite leaves with two leaflets and a branched tendril, a distinctive cross-shaped pith in the stem, and dense, glossy dark green foliage; fragrant tubular trumpet-shaped flowers are orange-red with yellow interiors, produced in showy clusters of two to five in spring, and attract hummingbirds and bees.

For cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained, organically rich soil, tolerating a wide range of soils and drought once established; hardy in USDA zones 5–9. Pruning after flowering helps control spread; propagation is possible from seeds or cuttings; root suckers may spread and require removal to keep growth in bounds. Landscape uses include covering arbors, walls, fences, or pergolas, with the plant functioning as a native ornamental that provides nectar for pollinators.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

30-50 feet

Spread

72-108 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun, Partial Sun tolerates 2–6 hours direct sun (falls under Partial Shade in source), Partial Shade suitable for 2–6 hours direct sun, Full Shade grows in shade

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.8-7.2

Near neutral

Bloom Color

Orange outside with yellow interior

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green (typically dark green; may turn reddish-purple in winter in cooler regions).

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Semi-deciduous

Growth Rate

10–15 feet per season

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, other pollinators, and birds