Do you want to attract butterflies and birds to your yard? Are you looking for something to cover your block walls? Find out when to plant and how to grow a Mexican Flame vine in Phoenix or gardening zone 9B.
The Mexican Flame vine’s bright orange flowers bring a wave of color to your yard.
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The Mexican Flame vine’s botanical name is senecio confusus. This beautiful twining vine is a gorgeous way to cover those bare block walls.
Everything You Need to Know to Grow Mexican Flame Vine in Phoenix
Before you start digging:
- When and How to Plant Mexican Flame Vine
- Does the vine prefer sun or shade?
- Is the vine drought tolerant?
- How fast and how big does the plant grow?
- Does the vine attract or deter any wildlife?
- What time of year can I find Mexican Flame vines at the local nurseries?
- When does it bloom?
When and How to Plant Mexican Flame Vine
Mexican Flame vines are native to Mexico, so they grow very well in Phoenix. It isn’t a fussy plant and can thrive in dry conditions. This twining vine can tolerate slightly alkaline soil, clay, and sand. Plant in the fall or in the months of March or April. I found if planted in the fall and covered during times of frost it will be better able to survive the summer months.
Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball of the plant. Mexican Flame vine is a forgiving plant, but it needs well-draining soil. Amend clay soil with organic matter. Allow two feet of space between plants.
Provide a trellis, arbor or pole for the vine to climb.
Does the vine prefer sun or shade?
A Mexican Flame vine prefers full sun and they can also survive in filtered shade. For example, climbing up a palm tree.
How Fast and How Much Space Does Mexican Flame Vine Take?
A Mexican Flame vine is a rapidly growing vine. Below is a photo to show the size of the vine in December. As you can see it was only a few inches tall, by March the vine was four feet tall and a couple feet wide.
Height: 10-12 feet
Width: 3-6 feet
Is the Vine Drought Tolerant?
Yes, the Mexican Flame vine is drought tolerant once established.
How to Care for Mexican Flame Vine
Plant Zone: perennial vine in gardening zones 9-11, can be grown as an annual vine in zone 8
Light Requirements: Requires full sun or at least 6 – 8 hours of sun a day.
Soil Requirements: Prefers fertile well-drained soil. If your soil has a lot of clay mix in an organic soil amendment to improve the soil structure.
Water Requirements: Once established a Mexican Flame vine is drought tolerant. Water deep.
Does the vine attract or deter any wildlife?
Yes, the Mexican Flame vine’s bright orange flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It grows best on a trellis or post. The vine is toxic to cats and dogs.
When does it bloom?
Mexican Flame vine blooms profusely spring through fall. As the flower ages the bright orange blooms turn red.
Possible Pests
caterpillars, mites, scales, and nematods are possible Mexican Flame vine pests
Where to Find Mexican Flame Vines in Phoenix
I’ve had a couple people ask where to find the Mexican Flame Vine in Phoenix. It is not an easy vine to locate, but if you can find it in the valley it is usually available around April. I have found them at Elgin Nursery & Tree Farm and Summer Winds Nursery.
Propagating Mexican Flame Vine
This vine is easy to propagate. Take a cutting of the vine just below a node and place in water until it roots. Once rooted you can plant in the soil.
