It's a rare garden where the native cross vine is used to its true potential, but such is the case at home in Savannah, Ga.'s, beautiful historical district. The Victorian Style home was painted a golden apricot that served as a stunning backdrop.
The cross vine, also called quarter vine, is known botanically as Bignonia capreolata. It is native in 17 states from Illinois southward to the Gulf Coast and is cold hardy from zones 5-9. Bignonia comes from the name of King Louis IV's librarian.
This much-underused, semi-evergreen native may have more flowers per square foot when in bloom than any other plant. As people discover the joy of growing vertically on arbors, trellises, towers and fences, they need to discover this great vine that also offers nectar to hummingbirds and butterflies.
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The spring flower show lasts for weeks and then tapers to sporadic blossoms. The show, however, when it is in full bloom will be long remembered by all who see. Throughout the South I have seen yellow ones and those that are orange to red. Tangerine Beauty is the most popular selection in the market along with Shalimar Red.
To grow, choose a site in full sun for the most spectacular flower show. Amend tight soils with the addition of 3 to 4 inches of organic matter and till to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. Select a sturdy support structure or let it climb a brick or masonry wall.
The vine climbs by tendrils that have small disks that allow it to attach itself to a wall. Plant superior nursery-grown transplants, setting out at the same depth they are growing in the container, water and apply mulch. Space plants 10 to 15 feet apart and be aware they can climb 20 to 30 feet.
Most anyone can grow the cross vine. Prune to maintain shape and confinement. Do major removing or thinning of vines after spring bloom.
When they bloom, the orange-flowered selections such as Tangerine Beauty scream to be partnered with blue flowers. Usually pansies are at peak, and blue selections would look great massed at the base of the vine. Snapdragon relatives like Bluebird or Blueberry Sachet nemesia would also look stunning. But the real thrill may come from a large patch of blue irises growing in front, creating an unbeatble landscape painting
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Once you start "growing up," your garden will really come alive.
