Sunday, March 29, 2009

My new Mexican Flame Vine


I purchased this Mexican Flame vine last summer at a Florida native plant sale (although with a name like Mexican Flame vine this is definitely not a Florida native). The vine is now in full spring bloom and looking gorgeous!

I was told that this vine is a favorite of butterflies and bees; so far the bees seem to be happy with the flowers.

The bright orange flowers are 1 inch in diameter and appear in small clusters. As they age the blooms change from brilliant orange to almost red. The seed heads resemble smaller versions of dandelion seed heads.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is beautiful and a real show.

Unknown said...

That is fantastic! So bright..

Dirt Princess said...

That has to be one of the most amazing vines I have ever seen. I must find one!!!!!! I love orange and pinks on one flower! Beautiful

Cheryl said...

Hi Rusty.....that is just so bright and beautiful....I can imagine those lovely blooms covered in bees and butterflies......

Tira said...

Very lovely vine-and so easy. I have a small one in a pot which i caught from a friend's plant and plant to trellis it.

Jim/ArtofGardening said...

That's a beautiful vine, I've never seen it before. I assume that it'd never go over well here in old cold zone 6.

Brenda Pruitt said...

Kind of resembles a miniature cone flower. It is quite lovely. And colorful!
Brenda

1keewee1 said...

All I can think of to say is WOW!

Susan said...

Now that is HOT, HOT, HOT! Gorgeous!

Nathan said...

What a lovely plant. The best colour ever!

Meems said...

Wow, that is one showy vine... and it must be a fast grower!
Meems @ Hoe and Shovel

Unknown said...

Just found your blog.Your garden is beautiful!And the Flame Vine is outstanding.I tried growing one here,by Tampa,and it was no where near as gorgeous as your's.

Bren Haas said...

awww.... I wonder if this flame will grow in my Midest zone 5 garden. FABULOUS!!!!

Unknown said...

What an awesome vine! I know it would only be an annual or an indoor tropical here, but it made me grin like a Cheshire cat (I love orange in the garden!)

Rock rose said...

I came across the posting of your gorgeous Mexican flame vine when researching the plant. I saw it yesterday at a garden tour in Austin, Texas and have decided it would be a wonderful plant to have in my garden. Your photos have convinced me to try it. we are a liitle closer to Mexico that Florida so maybe it will like it here too.

Unknown said...

The Mexican Flame vine is an invasive vine in Florida. It can grow 80 ft in length, please do not let it escape into other areas. It is not a recommended vine for Florida although it is very beautiful.