Cross vine (Bignonia capreolata)

Overview

The Cross vine, scientifically known as Bignonia capreolata, is a vigorous, woody perennial vine highly valued for its rapid coverage and striking springtime display. This native species utilizes adhesive disks on its branched tendrils to quickly ascend fences, arbors, and walls, providing dense, attractive foliage. Gardeners prize this plant for its showy, trumpet-shaped, orange-red flowers that appear reliably from May through June.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Bignonia capreolata offers functional benefits by screening unattractive structures or quickly filling vertical spaces. While evergreen in warmer regions, colder climates show handsome fall color, transitioning the foliage to reddish-purple before some leaf drop. Its robust growth habit makes the Cross vine an excellent, low-maintenance alternative to other aggressive climbers.

This relative of the trumpet vine is adaptable, thriving in conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade. Successful cultivation hinges on providing adequate support and managing its vigorous spread once established. Understanding the specific needs of Bignonia capreolata ensures a healthy, floriferous specimen for years to come.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Bignoniaceae
• Plant Type: Vine
• Native Range: Southern Ontario, eastern United States
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 35-50 ft
  • Spread: 6-9 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: Orange-red
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Begin planting Bignonia capreolata in spring or fall in average, medium-moisture, well-drained soils. While the plant tolerates heavy shade, maximizing flower production requires planting in locations receiving full sun to partial shade. Ensure you install the vine near a sturdy support structure, as it will quickly begin climbing using specialized adhesive disks on its tendrils.

Water moderately, especially during establishment. Once established, this vine is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring only a medium water regimen. Fertilizing is generally unnecessary, as the Cross vine is vigorous; focus instead on managing its growth via pruning. Prune only after flowering concludes if shaping is required to maintain boundaries or structure clearance.

For gardeners in the northern reaches of its range (Zone 5), be aware that above-ground stems may suffer dieback during severe winters, though the roots are usually hardier and will resprout vigorously the following spring. In Zone 5 locations, it is wise to select a protected planting spot and apply a winter mulch around the base. Be vigilant about removing root suckers, as established plants frequently send them up some distance from the main vine structure if territorial spread is undesirable.

Landscape Uses

The aggressive, fast-growing nature of the Cross vine makes it an ideal choice for covering large, unsightly structures quickly. It excels when trained upon robust fences, tall pillars, sturdy arbors, or large trellises where sheer coverage is the primary goal. If planted along the ground in an area where vertical climbing is impractical or unwanted, it can serve as a dense, evergreen groundcover in the South.

Consider pairing Bignonia capreolata with structure-defining evergreen shrubs or smaller, slow-growing perennials that appreciate the partial shade provided beneath its canopy. Due to its height potential, position the Cross vine where its dense foliage will not completely overwhelm smaller ornamental features nearby. Its unique flowers bring warm tones to vertical landscapes from late spring into early summer.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant

Noteworthy Characteristics

A cross section of stem reveals a marking resembling the Greek cross, hence the common name. Bignonia capreolata is a vigorous, woody vine that climbs by branched tendrils equipped with adhesive disks, making it excellent for rapid coverage. The foliage is deep green, turning attractive reddish-purple in the fall in colder winter climates, leading up to its spring display of fragrant, trumpet-shaped, orange-red flowers.

Tolerances

• Heavy Shade

Potential Problems

This species reports no serious insect or disease problems, offering growers a relatively worry-free climbing option. Its primary maintenance concern relates to its vigor and adherence to walls; ensure the structure supporting the Cross vine is robust enough to handle the weight of this woody climber as it matures. Proactive pruning immediately after bloom can manage size and prevent overcrowding of neighboring plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Cross vine suitable for?

The Cross vine (Bignonia capreolata) is hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9, making it adaptable across much of the eastern United States.

How large does Bignonia capreolata grow?

This vine can reach impressive mature heights between 35 and 50 feet, with a spread usually ranging from 6 to 9 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Bignonia capreolata need?

While it tolerates full shade, Bignonia capreolata performs best and produces its best flower display when situated in full sun to part shade conditions.

When does Cross vine bloom?

The Cross vine typically blooms during the late spring and early summer months, specifically from May to June, featuring striking orange-red flowers.

Conclusion

The robust Bignonia capreolata, or Cross vine, offers substantial screening value combined with beautiful, fragrant spring blooms, making it a prime choice for large vertical surfaces. Its relative ease of care, coupled with minimal pest pressure, ensures that gardeners across Zones 5-9 can enjoy this native superstar. Before planting, confirm that your desired location provides firm structure and verify that your zone falls within its established hardiness range.

Companion Planting

Select companion plants that can handle the root distribution and partial light conditions provided by a mature vine canopy. In areas of filtered sun, hostas or ferns, which thrive in similar moisture levels, can provide textural contrast at the base of the support structure. For sunnier spots, consider drought-tolerant perennials or low-growing shrubs that won’t compete aggressively once the Cross vine establishes its roots.

Wildlife Benefits

The trumpet-shaped flowers of the Cross vine are highly attractive to hummingbirds, which utilize them as a vital early-season nectar source. The dense foliage also provides excellent shelter and nesting opportunities for smaller birds throughout the year, especially in warmer climates where the leaves remain evergreen. Planting Bignonia capreolata along the edge of a property line can create a productive wildlife corridor.