The Story
Plant Bio
Pyrostegia venusta is a vigorous, evergreen woody vine that climbs by means of specialized three-branched coiling tendrils. It produces dense clusters of tubular, bright orange flowers from fall through spring, covering supports in frost-free climates.
The compound leaves feature leaflets where the terminal one is modified into a grasping tendril to scale structures. In warm regions, the plant spreads aggressively via underground root suckers and stems that root wherever they touch the soil.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Vine
Height
472"
Width
354"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
South America
Toxicity
Skin irritant
Bloom period
Fall – Spring
In flower about 9 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun with sturdy structural support like a pergola, fence, or trellis.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant in well-drained soil, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface.
- Water deeply to establish the root system, then reduce frequency to allow the soil to dry between waterings.
- Install physical barriers or prune root suckers regularly to prevent the vine from spreading beyond its designated area.
Pro Tip
Prune the vine heavily immediately after the spring flowering season ends to control its rapid spread; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents new shoots from emerging.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Prune annually in late spring to manage size and promote flowering wood.
- Provide a strong, permanent support structure capable of holding heavy woody vines.
- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in spring.
Don't
- Do not plant near fragile structures or gutters that can be damaged by vigorous climbing stems.
- Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained soils that cause root rot.
- Do not use high-nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Flame Vine questions
What zones can Flame Vine grow in?
Flame Vine is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Flame Vine deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Flame Vine, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Flame Vine bloom?
Flame Vine typically blooms in fall through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Flame Vine need full sun?
Flame Vine does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Flame Vine drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Flame Vine handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Flame Vine with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.