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Cross Vine Plant: The Complete Guide and Care Tips
Gardeners always look for beautiful plants that can add charm to their garden.
Cross vine is a gorgeous climber that is native to the southeastern region of the United States.
Its botanical name is Bignonia capreolata, but it is commonly known as cross vine due to the cross-shaped pattern on its stems.
Characteristics of Cross Vine Plant
- Cross vine plant is a fast-growing evergreen climber that can reach up to 50 feet in height.
- The leaves are oval-shaped, dark green in color, and leathery in texture.
- The flowers are trumpet-shaped, orange-red in color with a yellow throat, and bloom from mid-spring through early summer.
- It produces bean-like pods after flowering that contain seeds.
How to grow Cross Vine Plant?
If you want to grow cross vine plant in your garden or balcony, follow these steps:
- Location: Choose a location where it will receive full sun to partial shade.
It prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate different types of soil if they are not waterlogged.
- Planting: You can plant cross vines either from seeds or cuttings.
Sow the seed indoors during early spring or directly sow them outdoors after last frost date.
Cuttings taken from mature plants should be planted during late autumn or early winter when they go dormant.
- Care: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during its growing season from spring through fall.
In winter reduce watering frequency as too much water may cause root rotting; watering once every two weeks should suffice during this time.
Fertilize the vine once a month during its active growth period.
- Pruning: Prune the cross vine plant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged wood.
Benefits of Cross Vine Plant in Your Garden
Cross vine is not only a beautiful addition to your garden, but it also offers many benefits including:
- Bird Attractant: The trumpet-shaped blooms of cross vines attract hummingbirds and other birds that feed on nectar.
- Vine Plant: It can be trained to grow on arbors, trellises, and fences creating an enchanting vertical garden.
- Air Purifier:The leaves of cross vines reduce air pollution by removing harmful pollutants from the air.
Pests and Diseases Affecting Cross Vine Plants
Cross vine plants are generally pest-free; however, they may suffer from spider mites, whiteflies infestations if kept in dry conditions for prolonged periods.
Additionally, root rotting can occur if overwatered during winters.
Suggested Companion Plants for Cross Vine Plant
Cross vines look great when planted with other climbers such as clematis or climbing roses.
Moreover, planting it with low-growing groundcovers such as creeping phlox or creeping jenny will create an eye-catching landscape design that is sure to impress your guests!
SUMMARY:
Cross vine plant is a stunning climber that can add color and beauty to any garden setting.
It grows quickly in full sun to partial shade locations while tolerating different soil types except waterlogged soils.
It produces trumpet-shaped flowers that attract birds, and its leaves purify the air.
To keep it healthy, prune occasionally, water moderately in summers while reducing frequency in winters to avoid root rotting.
