Bignonia capreolata

‘Tangerine Beauty’ Bignonia capreolata, known as crossvine due to the pattern inside its crosscut stem is a spring blooming evergreen vine native to Texas and the southeastern United States. In its common native form, this relative of trumpet creeper sports banana-yellow tubular flowers with maroon highlights. There are however selections with flower colors ranging from orange to red. Among the showiest and most available is the cultivar ‘Tangerine Beauty’ which was discovered growing in a garden in San Antonio by Texas horticulturist and garden writer Scott Ogden in the 1980’s. It was subsequently named and introduced by the North Carolina State Arboretum in 1993. ‘Tangerine Beauty’ crossvine is commonly pollinated by ruby-throated hummingbirds and is known to scatter repeat blooms during the growing season. 

Exposure: Heaviest bloom occurs in full sun; however, the plant will tolerate moderate to dense shade. It is hardy to zone 6. 

Size: Height — This clinging evergreen vine can easily grow to 15 feet wide and tall. 

Plant type: Vigorous, evergreen, clinging vine. 

Planting time: Container grown plants can be planted year-round. 

Soil type: Well to moderately drained soils are best. Plants are soil pH adaptable and can be grown in sand, silt, or clay. Crossvine will tolerate low fertility sites, but also will grow more vigorously where adequate nutrients are available. Drought and heat tolerance are excellent once plants are established. 

Suggested uses: ‘Tangerine Beauty’ crossvine is an outstanding selection for covering arches, fences, gazebos, pergolas, trellises, and walls. It is quite vigorous and should be given room to grow. Remember however that vines are like groundcovers: First they sleep, then they creep, then they leap! ‘Tangerine Beauty’ is a great addition to any landscape, particularly Earth-Kind®️, native, organic, pollinator, and Wildscape gardens. 

Additional information on Tangerine Beauty in this AgriLife Today article.