At a recent tour of my garden, the Coral Vine was in full bloom and it stole the show. This stunning late-summer bloomer stops people in mid-sentence to ask, “What is that?” and “Where can I get it?” Learn how to grow Coral Vine, and decide if it’s right to add to your yard and garden.
The pink flower clusters with curling tendrils of Coral Vine are also impressive in floral arrangements. Coral Vine is a crowd and bee pleaser for sure.
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3 Tips For How To Grow Coral Vine
1. Before planting, learn if Coral Vine is considered an invasive species where you live.
Coral Vine (Antigonon leptopus) is also aptly called Queen’s Wreath, Mexican Creeper, and Chain of Love. It is a fast-growing tropical vine with showy flowers ranging from pink to white that grows in USDA zones 9-11.
This Mexican native plant is considered invasive in certain parts of the world, including some south-eastern areas of the United States such as Florida. However, in dry, desert regions of the U.S., like Arizona, it is a rapid grower but not considered invasive.
This website has information to help you determine if Coral Vine is considered invasive in your area. If it is invasive where you live, do not plant it.
What is an invasive species?
An invasive species is “an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health” as per Executive Order 13112: Section1. Definitions.
2. Understand how Coral Vine grows.
- Coral vine is grown from seed or transplant. This fast-growing vine can be propagated by seeds, dividing plants, and cuttings.
- Underground tubers develop as the plant grows and spreads the vine to other areas. Coral Vine also readily self-seeds as small seeds drop from within the dried flower petals.
- The thornless vines with deep green heart-shaped leaves and tendrils will readily climb a trellis or any available area.
- Coral Vine begins to bloom in August with peak blooms in October until frost.
- The showy pink flowers attract bees, and there are often 100’s of bees along the vine when it is in full bloom.
- Frost kills the vines, but underground tubers send out new shoots the following spring.
3. Care for Coral Vine correctly.
- Plant Coral Vine seeds or transplants after the danger of frost has passed.
- Choose a location to plant Coral Vine that you want to shade in the summer but have sun in the winter, as the vine will die back and be dormant in the coldest months of the year. (see photos below)
- Give Coral Vine plenty of room to spread; the vine is vigorous and does well on an arbor or large trellis.
- Coral Vine tolerates most soils, and does not need fertilizer or overly-rich soil.
- Water Coral Vine frequently when first planted. Once established, Coral Vine is drought tolerant and only needs water weekly during summer or dry spells.
- Coral Vine thrives in full-sun (even Arizona full sun) and heat; it will tolerate partial shade.
- Trim vines back as needed throughout the growing season.
- Prune back and remove all browned vines after frost. Vines can also be left to overwinter and pruned back in the spring. Mulch to protect tubers from freezing temperatures.
- Vines will rapidly regrow in the spring.
Coral Vine season by season
Pollinators love Coral Vine
Want to add more color to your garden with flowers?
Arizona annual flowers planting guide helps you learn when to plant flowers in Arizona, and whether to plant seeds or transplants.
Want more information about gardening in Arizona? This blog post shares 7 tips for how to grow a vegetable garden in Arizona.
Shweta Sridhar
Thursday 12th of May 2022
Hey Angela, I love your videos. My bedroom gets a lot of heat in the summer. So I thought of planting coral vine and put a trellis near the wall to cool off my house.
Does it grow well in pots? I have wicking tubs which are about 22 gallons (1/2 of a 55 gallon barrel).
Or does it do better in the ground? I do have a little space 2 foot x 3 foot near my Hvac condenser where I can plant the vine. All other spaces are concrete/turf.
Also, is it too late to buy a plant from the nursery and plant it?
Shweta Sridhar
Sunday 15th of May 2022
@Angela Judd, I'll go ahead and plant it this week. Do I need to dig a hole twice the size of the pot and give some amendments like compost or can I just directly plant in native soil in a hole just about the size of the pot?
Angela Judd
Friday 13th of May 2022
It does best in the ground if possible. Planting now (May) would probably be fine. Keep it well-watered until it is established.
Julene
Monday 25th of April 2022
Can this grow on a trellis along a cement wall? Or will the wall give off too much heat? Thanks :)
Angela Judd
Wednesday 27th of April 2022
Coral vine will grow with reflected heat on a cement wall. It's a tough plant.
Tavia
Thursday 29th of April 2021
Is it illegal to have this plant grow.in south east Florida? Because I was looking at the very interesting leaves and beautiful flowers are just gorgeous!! Also I curious how long from speeding to grown plant for it too trail up a trellis?
Angela Judd
Saturday 1st of May 2021
I'd check with the local county extension agency, they may know for sure. It grows quickly and covers a trellis in a few months.
Andrew
Sunday 28th of February 2021
I am in Phoenix and just found your YouTube videos - thanks so much for being THE resource for backyard gardeners in the valley. Just curious of your favorite valley nurseries - I am partial to Summer Winds, but curious if you have other suggestions.
Angela Judd
Sunday 28th of February 2021
I do love Summer Winds. I also like A&P nursery here in the East Valley. Arcadia Color Garden has been good, but I hear they have been purchased so we will see how that goes. Thanks so much for your support.
Patricia A DeFeyter
Friday 22nd of January 2021
I have a plant that is thriving and last year I cut it back in Feb to about 3 ft in height. It grew back just fine up and over the trellis. It is done flowering so is it ok to cut it back now?
Angela Judd
Friday 22nd of January 2021
It's safest to wait until after danger of frost is past to cut it back, but I typically cut mine back once it's done flowering too. It has still come back each year.