Tropical vines conjure up images of lush vegetation and
brilliant flowers, usually growing wild on a warm island. Fast
forward to our local gardens and, unfortunately, sometimes those
images are of dead and brown plants on what once were tropical,
free-flowering vines.
Tropical vines conjure up images of lush vegetation and brilliant flowers, usually growing wild on a warm island. Fast forward to our local gardens and, unfortunately, sometimes those images are of dead and brown plants on what once were tropical, free-flowering vines.
Unfortunately, sometimes our cold winters will do in tropical vines – particularly a local favorite: bougainvillaea. Our past winter when we had two weeks or more of below-freezing temperatures killed many tropical vines, including some that had been established for some time. Usually, though, it’s newly planted vines that never come back.
And that’s the good news. The fact of the matter is, most established tropical vines will withstand our normal winters. If you can get a bougainvillaea, for example, established for two years or more, it will almost always be able to withstand any local freezing temperatures. One of the keys is planting early, like right now, in order for your tropical vines to get as established as they can before next winter. Then, cross your fingers that the coming winter won’t be a bad one like last year.
As mentioned, bougainvillaea is the local favorite. This vine is native to tropical South America. It is known for its brilliant clusters of flowers, usually red (San Diego Red), but also coming in pink, orange, purple, white and bicolors.
Another key with tropicals is watering. Namely, do not water them too much. Excessive water will make the vine put its energy in lush green foliage rather than bright flowers.
Yet another key is where you plant your tropical vine. Because they are tropical, they need the hottest part of your garden. It’s also beneficial to plant them against a wall, such as the south or west side of your stucco house. The stucco will not only give off hotter, reflective heat in the summer, but also provide some important frost protection in the winter.
There are a number of other tropical vines besides bougainvillaea. Among other choices are:
– Golden trumpet vine (Allamanda cathartica): The funnel-shaped yellow flowers are 4 inches long and bloom on vigorous vines.
– Passion flower (Passiflora): Most people know the blue passion flower, but they come in other colors, including purple, pink, white, scarlet and yellow.
– Mandevilla: Brilliant pink or yellow flowers are the norm on glossy green leaves.
So get planting, locate in a hot area, preferably against a south-facing stucco wall, and don’t over water.
