Coral vine is a tropical tendril-climber native to Mexico that transforms gardens with its showy pink and white flowers from late summer into fall. Hardy in zones 8-11, it grows vigorously to 8-10 feet in a single season when cultivated as an annual in cooler climates, or much larger in warm regions where it can become evergreen. The arrowhead-shaped leaves with wavy edges create a lush backdrop for the delicate flower racemes that emerge from the leaf axils. Best suited for full sun and moderate water, this drought-tolerant vine rewards patience with prolific blooms and minimal fussing once established.
Full Sun
Moderate
8-11
120in H x 72in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
Coral vine erupts with pink and white flowers from late summer through fall, a time when many gardens are winding down. The rapid growth habit means you'll see significant progress week to week during the growing season, and the tuberous root system helps it bounce back reliably even in zone 8, where the vine dies back but roots survive winter. Its tolerance for drought combined with an appreciation for consistent moisture during the growing season makes it adaptable to different watering schedules. There are virtually no serious pest or disease problems to manage, though caterpillars occasionally nibble the foliage.
Coral vine serves primarily as an ornamental vine for covering trellises, arbors, and fences in warm gardens, or for adding vertical interest to containers in cooler climates where it's grown as an annual. Its rapid growth and prolific late-season blooms make it especially valuable for quick screening or creating fast living walls during the growing season.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Transplant or place containers outdoors after the last frost date in spring. In zone 8, treat as a warm-season annual and plant out once soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Coral vine responds well to tying and training as it grows, especially when guiding new growth along trellises or structures. In zones 9-11 where it's evergreen, you can prune back to shape the plant and encourage branching. In zone 8, the vine will naturally die back with frost, eliminating the need for fall pruning.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Antigonon leptopus originates from Mexico, where it grows as a perennial vine in warm climates. In cooler regions like the St. Louis area, gardeners have adapted it as an annual vine, allowing them to enjoy its vibrant flowers despite zone limitations. The tuberous root system is a key feature of its hardiness strategy, enabling the plant to survive winter in zone 8 by retreating underground. Over time, gardeners have also discovered it thrives in containers, making it accessible even to those without in-ground garden space.”