Crossvine

Bignonia capreolata

Crossvine is a hardy, evergreen vine that can grow up to 50 feet. Glossy dark-green leaves
change to reddish-purple in winter. Yellow flowers with brick red throats virtually cover
the vine in mid-spring and then intermittently the rest of the year. “Tangerine Beauty”
variety has bright coral flowers.

Planting Sites: Crossvine prefers moist sand, loam, clay, or limestone soils. It tolerates poor drainage. Best
flowering is in full sun, but it tolerates some shade.

Planting Instructions: Dig hole slightly larger than but the same depth as the nursery container. Carefully remove
plant from container and gently loosen any compacted soil and the roots of the root ball. Plant at the same depth
as the soil in the container. Add 2 to 3 inches of mulch.

Watering Instructions: Water well after planting, using root stimulator according to directions. For at least 3
months, water deeply every 7-10 days to promote deep roots that will withstand drought. Skip a watering after a
rainfall of ½” to 1”. Once established, Crossvine is moderately drought tolerant.

Comments: Great plant for pergolas, creating dappled shade underneath. Flowers attract hummingbirds and
butterflies. Runners can be cut back in the late spring to encourage branching and more flowering. Vine can climb
walls or structures aggressively without using a trellis, using its tendrils like little claws to attach to bricks, rocks, or
fences.

Planting and care instructions provided by the Lindheimer Chapters of the Native Plant Society of Texas