Overview
Crossvine is a vigorous Florida native woody vine with glossy paired leaflets, climbing tendrils, and clusters of orange-red trumpet flowers with yellow throats. It delivers strong spring color and fast vertical coverage without the extreme behavior of some trumpet vines.
Mature Size and Habit
Stems can climb 30 to 50 feet when support is available. The vine attaches with tendrils ending in adhesive pads and also spreads from the base. Its final size depends on the support, pruning, and available root space.
Best Landscape Uses
Train it on a strong pergola, arbor, fence, large trellis, or freestanding screen. It suits native gardens and pollinator landscapes. Keep it off delicate siding, screens, painted wood, and structures that need frequent access.
Sunlight
Full sun produces the strongest flower display. Partial shade supports healthy foliage but usually reduces bloom. A sunny upper canopy with a shaded root zone often performs well.
Soil and Drainage
Crossvine adapts to sand, loam, and clay and tolerates a range of moisture after establishment. It prefers soil that drains while retaining some moisture. Avoid permanently saturated planting holes.
Irrigation
Water regularly during establishment. Mature vines handle short droughts but flower and cover better with deep irrigation during extended dry periods. Mulch the root zone without piling mulch against the stem.
Best Planting Season
Plant in fall through spring in Tampa, or during the warm rainy season when irrigation is dependable. Give the root system time to establish before expecting rapid top growth.
Pruning and Maintenance
Prune after the main spring bloom to control size and redirect stems. Remove suckers where the vine crosses its boundary. Inspect trellises and fasteners because mature vines become heavy.
Wildlife Value
Tubular flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Dense foliage offers cover. As a Florida native vine, it contributes more habitat value than many imported flowering climbers.
Cold and Heat Sensitivity
It tolerates Tampa heat and normal winter cold well. Leaves can bronze in cool weather. Established roots survive far colder temperatures than Tampa usually experiences.
Toxicity, Thorns, and Roots
Crossvine has no thorns. Serious poisoning is not commonly highlighted in extension references, but it is not a food plant. Spreading roots and suckers are vigorous rather than structurally destructive, so allow maintenance access.
Invasive and Placement Concerns
It is native and not considered invasive in Florida, but it can spread aggressively in a small bed. Adhesive tendrils cling firmly to surfaces. Use a dedicated support and keep the vine away from rooflines, gutters, shutters, and utility equipment.
Authoritative Resources
Review NC State Extension Plant Toolbox and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Local Delivery
Local delivery only in approved South Tampa ZIP codes. $600.00 minimum plant order. $100.00 flat delivery fee. Ecoscape will contact you to schedule delivery.