See http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/dcs420/cr...
Beginning in January, and continuing through March, this rampant climber covers itself in a sheet of screaming orange flowers, offset by leathery, evergreen leaves. Vines grow to 85 feet tall and attach themselves to their host by tendrils.
The scientific name, Pyrostegia, translates to "firey roof." This vine, sometimes listed by nurseries under its old name, P. ignea, is widely available and is an excellent choice for covering chain-link fences, scrambling up trees or tall buildings, or as a groundcover.
I have seen it used most effectively rambling up a pine tree in the company of epiphytic cactus and philodendrons. I have also admired its usage as a groundcover in a raised bed constructed of old railroad ties consorting with Kalanchoes and Epidendrums. Given full sun and soil enriched with organic matter, this Brazilian native will light up the winter sky with a display of floral fireworks not soon forgotten.
After flowering, Pyrostegia can be cut back hard. This vine can be grown successfully in all Florida USDA zones, including the Panhandle. If it is cut down by a freeze, it will re-emerge from the roots. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with water soluable 15-30-15 fertilizer for optimal floral display.
The Hawaiian woodrose, Merremia tuberosa, is a twining vine much appreciated by floral arrangers for its large attractive seed pods which resemble roses carved of burnished wood. See http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/car...
The yellow 2-inch tubular-shaped flowers, typical of members of Ipomoea, or the Morning Glory family, under which it used to be classified, last only a day.
This fast-growing woody climber is root hardy to Zone 6. Floridians in Zones 9b through 11 can expect it to be evergreen; for residents in the north it will act as a herbaceous perennial, returning from the tuberous roots each spring.
The marble-sized seeds have an impervious seed coat; to break dormancy nick the seed coat by rubbing it between two pieces of sandpaper or soak the seed in boiling water overnight. Seed is available from J.L.Hudson, Seedsman and from SBE Seed Co., 3421 Bream St., Gautier, MS 39553 or from The Flowery Branch Seed Co., P.O. Box 1330, Flowery Branch, GA 30542.
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