Creeper that spreads far & wide

Antigonon leptopus is also known by its native name Mexican Creeper or Coral Vine or Love Vine. The pretty, pink ornamental flowers are used in wedding bouquets and the vine mass colour creates a monsoon sky, casting a magical spell on the onlooker. The flowers also attract birds, bees and butterflies. It is a fast-growing tendril-climbing vine, which spreads to 25 feet and beyond. The evergreen leaves are coarse, heart-shaped and even triangular, of medium size with wavy edges. The showy flowers are borne in panicle clusters in abundance, producing pink or white flowers, which are in full bloom towards the end of the rainy season.

Best suited 

Love Vine creeps aggressively, so it has to be planted very carefully with a definite purpose. If you want to keep it small, plant it in a container. In a garden it can trail on arches and pergolas but it requires regular management. It can be planted to engulf a dry tree, spread over an old or abandoned building or at a farmhouse to cover a fence or boundary walls with evergreen leaves and colorful bloom. It is an excellent screening climber, most suited for large gardens or open spaces in cantonments or in an institute or university campus.

Location

It flourishes in a place with abundant sunlight and warmth. Considering its vigorous growth potential, the plants are planted at 25-30m apart.  

Soil

Antigonon grows well in any type of well-drained soil, but needs moisture during its growing period.  

Irrigation 

It is a drought-tolerant climber. Regular irrigation keeps the soil moist and the plant in good health. In summers, the irrigation requirement increases, so deep irrigation is desirable every fortnight. During the growth period also, the moisture level has to be maintained.     

Fertiliser 

The plant hardly requires additional doses of manure and fertilisers. Avoid excessive nitrogenous fertilisers, which will only increase foliage mass.

Propagation 

It reproduces by its seeds. Also, by cuttings either broken accidentally or planted. The plant produces underground tubers and large rootstocks, which helps in multiplication. The tubers re-sprout if the plant is cut back or damaged by frost. The seeds float on water and are carried to far off locations. In home gardens, they are cultivated in nurseries. In extreme winters, it enters into dormancy.  

Other features

It is a prolific seed producer. The seeds are edible and are also consumed by many animals and birds. It has medicinal value to control diabetes.

Diseases

Antigonon faces no serious threat from any pest or disease, baring a few. Just be vigilant and treat accordingly.