Southwestern Deserts
September, 2010
Regional Report
Favorite or New Plant
Coral Vine or Queen's Wreath
This Mexican native vine (Antigonon leptopus) thrives in summer's heat, often growing beyond its trellis to scramble high into neighboring shrubs and trees. In late summer and fall it produces vivid color with clusters of tiny hot pink or coral blooms. Now is a good time to seek it at the nursery to see its flower color. Also, look for Antigonon leptopus 'Alba' which has white flowers. Coral vine's heart-shaped foliage will turn brown and die back when weather turns cold. Trim back the dead foliage in spring, and the vine will return.
Clever Gardening Technique
Double Up Vines
Plant coral vine in front of another vine that stays more reliably evergreen and has a different bloom season, such as cat's claw or lilac vine. Coral vine's tendrils will cling to the other vine, bloom at a different time, and its lack of foliage in winter will be less noticeable.
