DISTICTIS

These Mexican natives are spectacular vines for milder climates, reaching heights of 2030 feet Glossy leaves consist of two leaflets with a central, three-part tendril that plants use for climbing. All bear long-lasting, trumpet-shaped flowers. Plant in good, well-drained soil; provide sturdy support, since growth is dense and heavy. Prune in winter to thin stems, control size. Not browsed by deer.

blood-red trumpet vine

VANILLA TRUMPET VINE

distictis buccinatoria (Bignonia cherere, Phaedranthus buccinatorius)

• Zones CS, TS; USDA 9-11.
• Oblong to oval leaflets 24 inches long.
• Clusters of 4 inches-long, yellow-throated flowers in orange-red fading to bluish red; blossoms stand out well from vine.
• Blooms in bursts throughout year when weather warms.
• Give protected site in hottest climates.

royal trumpet vine

distictis laxiflora(Distictis lactiflora, Distictis cinerea)

• Zones TS; USDA 10-11.
• More restrained than most trumpet vines and requires less pruning.
• Oblong, 2 inches-long leaflets.
• Vanilla-scented, 3 inches-long trumpets appear in generous clusters throughout warmer months, sometimes giving 8months of bloom; they are violet at first, fading to lavender and white.

distictis 'Rivers

• Zones TS; USDA 10-11.
• Plants sold under this name are nearly a match for Distictis buccinatoria in vigor and foliage and have flowers of about the same size; blossoms are mauve to purple with a yellow-to-orange throat.
• Sometimes labeled Distictis riversii.