Mexican flame vine is a vigorous, warm-climate vine that brings tropical flair to gardens in USDA zones 9-10, where it blooms reliably from June through October with striking orange daisy-like flowers that age to red. Native to Mexico, this smooth-stemmed evergreen climber reaches 6 to 12 feet tall and spreads 3 to 6 feet wide, making it excellent for trellises, fences, and garden structures. The arrowhead-shaped deep green leaves with serrated edges provide handsome foliage even when flowers aren't present, and in cooler climates it can be grown as a fast-growing annual. Its drought tolerance once established and minimal pest and disease problems make it a low-maintenance choice for sunny gardens.
Full Sun
Moderate
9-10
144in H x 72in W
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High
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Orange flowers clustered along the stems gradually shift to rich red, creating a fiery color progression that lasts months. Each flower reaches about an inch across and resembles a delicate daisy, followed by whimsical dandelion-like seed heads. The evergreen foliage stays attractive year-round in warm zones, and the vine's rapid growth rate means you'll see substantial coverage in a single season, even when started from seed.
Mexican flame vine is grown primarily as an ornamental climbing plant for garden structures, trellises, and fences. In frost-prone regions, its rapid growth rate and ability to flower in a single season make it valuable as a tender annual that quickly covers vertical space.
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Seeds may be started indoors, taking advantage of the vine's rapid growth rate to produce substantial plants by transplant time.
Transplant outdoors after your last frost date once soil has warmed. Harden off seedlings gradually to full sun exposure before planting.
Prune as needed to shape the vine and direct its growth along your support structure. The rapid growth habit means regular trimming during the growing season helps maintain a full, attractive plant rather than a sparse, leggy one.
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“This vine originates from Mexico, where it grows as a perennial in warm climates. Its common name reflects both its fiery flower colors and its Mexican heritage. The species was documented scientifically as Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides and eventually found its way into cultivation among gardeners seeking dramatic tropical vines for warm-region gardens.”