Antigonon leptopus
coral vine
Overview
Antigonon leptopus, coral vine or queen's wreath, is a fast-growing perennial vine in the knotweed family, climbing 20-40 feet (6-12 m) by curling tendrils at the tips of its flower clusters. Heart- to arrow-shaped leaves 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long line the stems. From summer into fall, and nearly year-round in frost-free climates, it produces sprays of small bright pink flowers, with white-flowered forms also grown. The colored parts are sepals that hold their color for weeks. The vine grows from fleshy underground tubers, which let it resprout after frost cuts back the top and make it hard to remove. Native to Mexico, it has been planted worldwide in warm regions and has become invasive in parts of the southern United States, the Caribbean, and tropical areas, where it smothers fences, shrubs, and small trees. A. leptopus is grown on fences, arbors, and trellises for its long bloom and is visited heavily by bees and butterflies, though its vigorous growth needs room and regular control.
Native Range
Antigonon leptopus is native to Mexico and Central America. It has been widely planted in warm climates and has naturalized across the southern United States, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific islands. It grows on disturbed ground, fences, and woodland edges in frost-free and near-frost-free regions.Suggested Uses
Coral vine is grown on fences, arbors, trellises, and pergolas for quick cover and long bloom in warm climates. Its flowers draw large numbers of bees and butterflies. In frost-free regions it is managed carefully because it can smother other plants.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 40'
Width/Spread10' - 20'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright pink, sometimes whiteFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow coral vine in full sun on well-drained soil; it tolerates poor, sandy, and rocky ground once established. It is heat- and drought-tolerant after the tubers form and grows very fast in warm weather, needing a sturdy support such as a fence or arbor. Frost kills the top growth, but the tubers resprout in spring where winters are mild, roughly USDA zones 8-11. In cold-winter areas it is grown as an annual or in containers brought indoors. Because it can become invasive, it needs regular cutting to keep it in bounds. It has few serious pests but can spread from tubers and seed.Pruning
Cut the vine back hard in late winter or after frost to control its size and remove dead growth. Trim through the growing season to keep it off other plants. Dig out unwanted tubers and seedlings to limit spread.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons