How to Grow Crossvine

Bignonia capreolata · Zones Data not available

Crossvine is a tree, a long-term addition to the landscape. Notably, it shrugs off deer. Its summer flowers are a real draw for hummingbirds and native bees. It roots deep, which helps it reach moisture in a dry spell and open up tight soil as it establishes.

Zones

Data not available

pH Range

5.5-7.5

Sun

Full Sun

Days to Maturity

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USDA PLANTS DatabaseUSDA PHZM 2023ASPCA

What Crossvine is

Crossvine grows as a perennial and reaches around 50 feet at maturity. It blooms orange in summer. It's also deer-resistant.

How to grow Crossvine

Crossvine does best in full sun — at least 6 hours of direct sun a day — and soil from pH 5.5 to 7.5, on well-drained ground. It needs around 2,000 growing degree days to mature, which is why climate matters as much as soil.

USDA Zones

Data not available

USDA PHZM 2023

Soil pH

5.5 - 7.5

USDA PLANTS Database

Sun

Full Sun

plant_species_v5.csv

Drainage

well (dry spells)

plant_species_v5.csv

GDD Required

2000+

plant_species_v5.csv

Mature Height

50 ft

plant_species_v5.csv

Frost-Free Days

0+

plant_species_v5.csv

  1. Plant it right

    Set crossvine in full sun with well-drained soil. Many fruit trees need a second variety nearby to pollinate — check before you plant just one.

  2. Match the soil

    Crossvine prefers pH 5.5 to 7.5 (USDA PLANTS Database). A quick soil test from your local Extension lab tells you whether to add lime or sulfur to land in band.

  3. Water steadily

    Keep the root zone evenly moist through establishment. A 2–3 inch mulch layer holds moisture without waterlogging.

  4. Be patient, then harvest

    Prune annually while the tree establishes; fruit trees reward patience with years of harvest. Local Extension guides publish per-cultivar bearing-age tables.

Good to know

Good news for pet owners — crossvine isn't known to be toxic to dogs or cats. (Source: ASPCA.)

Crossvine is a standout pollinator plant — high value to bees and other pollinators. (Source: Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership.)

Where Crossvine thrives

Whether crossvine thrives on a given site comes down to its soil pH, drainage, sun, and frost dates — the conditions that vary parcel to parcel.

Free Report

See if Crossvine will thrive on your land

Zone averages are a start. Your exact soil pH, drainage, sun exposure, and frost dates shape whether crossvine actually takes — we score it against the real conditions at your address.

Three things about your exact spot that zone averages miss:

Your soil pHYour frost-free daysYour sun & shade

We read public map data for this spot — soil, climate, flood, and parcel records. How we handle your address.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow Crossvine in my zone?

Zone data for crossvine is being finalized. A Growable Ground report checks your parcel's full suitability against federal soil, climate, and zone data.

When should you plant Crossvine?

Set crossvine out in early spring or fall while it's dormant, so the roots establish before the heat of summer. Your local last-frost date — which a Growable Ground report pulls for your exact address — sets the precise window.

How much sun does Crossvine need?

Crossvine needs full sun — a spot that catches at least 6 hours of direct summer sun a day. In more shade it still grows, but usually gives a smaller, later crop. The catch is that a yard rarely gets even light everywhere — a fence, the house, or one tall tree can quietly take those hours. A Growable Ground report reads the real sun-hours across your land, canopy and buildings included, so you can pick the brightest bed before you plant.

What soil does Crossvine need?

Crossvine prefers soil pH 5.5 to 7.5, on well-drained ground (USDA PLANTS Database). Your report scores your parcel's actual soil against that using USDA SSURGO data.

Does Crossvine attract pollinators?

Yes — crossvine's flowers are a strong nectar and pollen source for hummingbirds and native bees (Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership).

Is Crossvine safe for pets?

Crossvine is not known to be toxic to dogs or cats based on available data (ASPCA). Always supervise pets around new plantings.