Crossvine
bignonia capreolata
Also known as: ["Tangerine Beauty","Trumpet Flower"]
Overview
A vigorous, woody vine native to the southeastern United States, known for its showy, trumpet-shaped flowers and evergreen foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Bignoniaceae |
| Genus: | Bignonia |
| Botanical Name: | Bignonia capreolata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: trellis or arbor in a sheltered garden area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil with organic matter; can tolerate average garden soil but prefers enriched conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins; light pruning can be done after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary, but avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvena
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; prefers 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, but can tolerate some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually over 1–2 weeks; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent sunburn.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate plant for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid frequent shallow watering.
Soil
well-draining, fertile loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Thrives in warm conditions, ideal range 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates heat well but may struggle below 50°F (10°C).
Protect from frost; water early to avoid heat stress; adjust care based on seasonal temperature shifts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn; fertilize after watering to prevent salt buildup; use a balanced NPK ratio for overall health.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood stem cuttings; layering is also effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Wait for roots.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take an additional 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove entire stems at the base; heading back to shorten stems and encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to control size, shape, and encourage flowering; remove dead or overgrown stems to improve air circulation.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood; shape as desired; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if needed; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for weather conditions.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season; reduce frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks unless conditions are very dry.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in cold stress; wilting or scorched leaves in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn yellow or drop; risk of frost damage in temperatures below 32°F (0°C).
Solution: Move container plants indoors or to a sheltered location; apply a thick layer of mulch for ground plants; avoid watering before cold snaps.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow; increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; water deeply and regularly; use mulch to retain soil moisture; increase humidity if possible.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; follow dilution instructions; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season; reduce or stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Bignonia capreolata. The plant is not highly toxic to cats, but ingestion should be avoided.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Bignonia capreolata can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxic compounds are not highly potent, but ingestion may cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicBignonia capreolata contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to localized discomfort and is not considered life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Crossvine require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, though flowering is most profuse in full sun.
Q: How fast does Crossvine grow?
A: It is a fast-growing vine, capable of covering structures quickly under favorable conditions.
Q: Is Crossvine invasive?
A: While vigorous, it is not typically considered invasive in its native range, but it can be aggressive in some areas.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Bignoniaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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