Cross vine (Bignonia capreolata 'Atrosanguinea')
Grow the vigorous Bignonia capreolata 'Atrosanguinea' (Cross vine) for dark purplish-red, fragrant blooms. Hardy in Zones 5-9.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Bignonia capreolata ‘Atrosanguinea’, widely known as Cross vine, is a vigorously growing, woody vine prized for its rapid coverage and striking late-spring blossoms. This cultivar impresses gardeners with its dark purplish-red, trumpet-shaped flowers, which are quite fragrant. As a durable climber, it excels at softening harsh architectural lines on fences, walls, and arbors.
The structure of this plant is notable; it uses adhesive-tipped tendrils to cling securely to surfaces as it ascends, often reaching heights between 15 and 30 feet. While the foliage is evergreen in warmer climates, those in colder reaches of its range might see reddish-purple fall color followed by winter leaf drop. Growing Bignonia capreolata ‘Atrosanguinea’ offers substantial aesthetic impact quickly.
Its value extends beyond mere greenery, providing rich color and fragrance when few other vines are flowering. Although it is related to the aggressive trumpet vine, Cross vine is generally considered better behaved, though proper site selection remains important for managing its robust growth habit.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Bignoniaceae
- Plant Type: Vine
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 15-30 ft
- Spread: 6-9 ft
- Bloom Time: May to June
- Bloom Description: Dark purplish-red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
The Cross vine thrives when planted in average, medium-moisture, well-drained soils. While it tolerates full shade, the best flowering performance for Bignonia capreolata ‘Atrosanguinea’ will occur where it receives full sun to partial shade exposure. Plant during the spring or fall, ensuring the support structure—whether a sturdy trellis, pergola, or wall—is ready to accommodate its eventual size.
Watering should be consistent, keeping the soil consistently moist, especially for newly established plantings. Once mature, the Cross vine maintains medium water needs but benefits from deep watering during extended dry spells. Fertilization is usually unnecessary unless the soil quality is exceptionally poor.
Pruning is best performed immediately following the main bloom flush in June to shape the vine and avoid cutting off next year’s flower buds. Be aware that in Zone 5, above-ground stems might not be reliably winter hardy; severe winters may cause dieback to the ground, though the roots usually survive to send up new growth. Gardeners in colder zones should site the vine in a protected location.
Established plants have the potential to send up root suckers if they are not checked; be diligent about removing any unwanted spread vigorously to maintain boundaries.
Landscape Uses
Bignonia capreolata ‘Atrosanguinea’ is an exceptional solution for quickly covering large, unattractive structures. Its vigor makes it ideal for screening fences, masking pillars, softening large retaining walls, or blanketing expansive arbors and pergolas. Because it climbs effectively via adhesive disks, care must be taken when affixing it to softer masonry or wood that might be damaged by its clinging nature over time.
This fast-growing option can also be used as a dense groundcover where vertical support is unavailable. If you desire structure near the home, plant the Cross vine a safe distance away from soffits or window frames, allowing it to cascade naturally over a large arbor instead of directly against the house siding.
When pairing this vine, consider companions that enjoy similar moisture levels but do not compete aggressively for light, such as shade-tolerant shrubs placed beneath the canopy. The resulting aesthetic, featuring dark purplish-red blooms cascading over structure, provides excellent contrast in the late spring garden.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Bignonia capreolata, known as cross-vine, is a vigorous, woody vine that climbs by branched tendrils with adhesive disks. It is grown primarily for its attractive flowers and its ability to rapidly cover structures with attractive foliage. Each leaf consists of a pair of lanceolate to oblong dark green leaflets and a branched tendril between them, terminating in adhesive disks that easily attach to walls. Foliage remains evergreen in the South, turning reddish-purple in colder winter areas. Flowers appear in fragrant, trumpet-shaped clusters. The cultivar ‘Atrosanguinea’ is specifically noted for its deep, dark purplish-red flowers, offering a distinct color palette compared to the species’ orange-red blooms.
Tolerances
- Heavy Shade
Potential Problems
This plant is generally remarkably durable, facing no serious insect or disease problems when grown in its optimal conditions. Because of its relationship to trumpet vine, vigilant monitoring for pests is always recommended, though serious infestations are rare for Bignonia capreolata ‘Atrosanguinea’. Proper pruning after flowering helps maintain good air circulation, which discourages fungal issues if humidity is high.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Cross vine suitable for?
The Bignonia capreolata ‘Atrosanguinea’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9, though protection may be needed for above-ground growth in Zone 5 during severe winters.
How large does Cross vine grow?
This vigorous vine typically reaches a mature height between 15 and 30 feet, with a spread usually confined to 6 to 9 feet wide if given adequate vertical support.
What sun exposure does Bignonia capreolata ‘Atrosanguinea’ need?
It performs best in full sun to part shade conditions; however, while it tolerates full shade, reducing the amount of direct light will significantly decrease the density of its spectacular dark purplish-red blooms.
When does Cross vine bloom?
The showy, fragrant flowers of the Cross vine appear consistently from May to June, offering deep, dark purplish-red color to the early summer landscape.
Conclusion
For gardeners needing rapid, robust coverage alongside the visual reward of fragrant, unique blossoms, Bignonia capreolata ‘Atrosanguinea’ is an outstanding choice. This particular Cross vine cultivar delivers a dramatic visual statement with its deep flower color. Before planting, confirm your site offers sufficient structure and verify your local USDA zone compatibility to ensure the best long-term success.
Companion Planting
When integrating the Cross vine into your garden design, consider companions that complement its vigorous growth without overwhelming it. Due to its tendency to climb tall, look towards smaller, perennial specimens for the base planting, such as Hostas or Ferns, which appreciate the dappled shade cast by the mature vine canopy in sunny sites. Ensure that any companion plants have medium water needs, matching the Cross vine’s requirements.
In areas where the Cross vine is receiving maximum required sun exposure, pairing it with other mid-to-late spring bloomers can extend the floral show. Consider early-blooming Clematis varieties or climbing Roses that require similar support systems (though they should be planted far enough away to avoid competition for trunk space).
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring is the time for early clean-up, removing any winter mulch applied for Zone 5 protection and ensuring the vine has clean access to its support structure as new growth begins. Immediately after the May to June bloom, apply necessary shaping or thinning prunes to maintain desired form and prevent overcrowding.
Summer maintenance focuses primarily on watering duties, ensuring established Bignonia capreolata ‘Atrosanguinea’ receives medium amounts of water during hot, dry periods. Inspect regularly for any root suckers emanating from the base that need immediate removal if you wish to control the spread of this vigorous plant.
In the fall, particularly in borderline hardiness areas, prepare the root zone for winter. In colder regions, applying a substantial layer of winter mulch around the base of established plants can significantly improve the chances of stem survival into the next season, though expect root regrowth if dieback occurs.
