Mexican flame vine (Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides)
Discover the vibrant Mexican flame vine (Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides), a fast-growing vine offering continuous orange-red blooms from June to October.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Mexican flame vine, scientifically known as Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides, is a highly valued ornamental known for its vigorous climbing habit and spectacular late-season color display. This smooth-stemmed vine lights up the garden from summer well into autumn with clusters of daisy-like flowers that shift from brilliant orange to deep red as they age. Gardeners appreciate Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides for its rapid growth, making it an excellent choice for quickly covering structures.
Native to Tropical South America, this plant thrives in warm climates, offering evergreen foliage when temperatures remain mild. Where winter protection is needed, it performs beautifully as a fast-growing annual, quickly reaching several feet in height during one season. Its visual impact, combined with attracting local butterflies and bees, makes the Mexican flame vine a functional and beautiful addition to living vertical landscapes.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Vine
- Native Range: Tropical South America
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 6-12 ft
- Spread: 3-6 ft
- Bloom Time: June to October
- Bloom Description: Orange aging to red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting the Mexican flame vine should occur in spring after the danger of frost has passed if growing as an annual, or anytime in warm weather in Zones 9 and warmer. Ensure the location provides full sun, though some light afternoon shade is acceptable in extremely hot summers. This vine performs best in average to organically rich, well-drained soils with medium moisture levels.
For established plants, maintain medium water needs, although Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides possesses a degree of drought tolerance once fully established. Consistent moisture encourages the best growth and flowering performance. Be aware that stems will readily root wherever they touch the ground, which can lead to aggressive spreading if not managed, although it typically remains controllable.
If you live near the cooler edge of Zone 9 or in Zone 8, provide winter protection, such as heavy mulch, for overwintering. In non-hardy zones, treat this rapid grower as an annual. Seed is easily collected, or cuttings can be rooted for propagation. If left unsupported, the Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides may sprawl into a dense, shrub-like mound rather than climbing vertically.
Landscape Uses
The Mexican flame vine is primarily cultivated as an ornamental vine, bringing incredible vertical interest to the landscape. Its bright coloration makes it an excellent specimen for covering chain-link fences, trellises, pergolas, or sturdy upright posts where its rapid coverage is needed immediately. It is also stunning when allowed to drape over the sides of large containers or hanging baskets, offering cascading ribbons of orange and red.
Growing Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides in zones outside 9-10 allows it to function as an architectural annual, providing instant tropical flair for summer annual displays. Consider pairing its warm tones with deep purple or blue foliage plants, such as dark sweet potato vine companions, to create high-contrast vertical features near patios or entryways.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides commonly called Mexican flame vine, is a smooth-stemmed vine that features alternate arrowhead-shaped evergreen leaves and a late spring-to-fall bloom of orange daisy-like flowers. Flowers (each to 1” diameter) appear in clusters, with the orange color gradually aging to red. Flowers are followed by small, dandelion-like puffs of seed, and the blossoms are attractive to both butterflies and bees.
Tolerances
- Drought
Potential Problems
This plant generally does not suffer from serious insect or disease problems, making maintenance straightforward regarding pest control. Gardeners should focus more on managing its vigorous growth habit to ensure it stays confined to its intended structure or area. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root issues associated with consistently soggy soil, which is contrary to its drought-tolerant nature once established.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Mexican flame vine suitable for?
Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides is reliably winter hardy in USDA Zones 9 through 10, though Zone 8 gardeners may achieve success with heavy winter mulching.
How large does Mexican flame vine grow?
When given support, this vine typically reaches heights between 6 and 12 feet, with a moderate spread generally maintained between 3 and 6 feet.
What sun exposure does Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides need?
For the densest growth and most prolific blooming, Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides requires full sun exposure throughout the growing season.
When does Mexican flame vine bloom?
This vibrant vine offers extended color from June right through October, highlighted by its signature blooms that transition from orange aging to red.
Conclusion
The Mexican flame vine provides exceptional vertical energy and long-lasting, warm-toned flowers, making Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides a star performer in warm climates or as a summer annual elsewhere. Its relatively low maintenance and ability to attract pollinators add significant ecological value to any setting. Before planting, always verify that your USDA hardiness zone supports its long-term establishment, or plan to treat it as a seasonal feature.
Companion Planting
Selecting plants with similar cultural needs—full sun and medium water—will ensure the Mexican flame vine thrives alongside its neighbors. Pair it with drought-tolerant perennials that offer contrasting foliage textures, such as ornamental grasses or silver-leafed salvias. For a warm-season border underneath the vine, consider pairing it with heat-loving annuals like Zinnias or Lantana that share its affinity for bright sunshine and don’t mind the slight afternoon shade cast by the vine in very hot locations.
Propagation Tips
Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides is readily propagated through simple vegetative methods. Softwood cuttings taken during the active growing season root easily, establishing new plants quickly. Furthermore, the vine produces fluffy seed heads similar to dandelions after flowering finishes; these seeds can be collected easily when ripe and stored for planting the following spring for new annual crops. Stems that touch the ground often root on their own, allowing older, established plantings to put out new growth locally.
