Thursday, July 3, 2014

Native Cross Vine

Have you seen my posts on our Garden Guests?  No?  Take a look at my Gardening Page to see all the fun critters that visit our garden!

A key to habitat gardening is planting as many natives as possible.  This cross vine (bignonia) was purchased from Mary Ann King of Pine Ridge Gardens when it wasn't much more than a twig.  It is a lovely native vine similar to trumpet vines, but not as invasive.  It is semi evergreen and blooms throughout much of the year. 


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Cross vine (bignonia) on our fence

The heaviest bloom comes in Spring about the same time as Lonicera Sempervirens (a native red honeysuckle) which happens to coincide with hummingbird migration.


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This is not my photo, but isn't it pretty?
 Cross Vine is wonderful cover for small birds and some even build nests in it!

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Baby Robins snuggling in their nest surrounded by Cross Vine.

The folks at Hilton Pond call it "A Haven for Hungry Hummingbirds".  I agree completely!

While not invasive, Cross Vine can grow up to thirty feet long, so it does need some growing space as well as something sturdy to climb.  We have ours planted on our chain link fence near our back porch.  Frequently eating dinner in our back yard, hummingbirds entertain us as they cruise the Cross Vine.

So, what's happening in your back yard?
 
 ;-)  -Marci

4 comments:

  1. beautiful, hey I'm new following Let me know if you difficulty follow back, I'm new to blogging I got aboard the train, followed the 3 steps and even had dinner (Dutch baby panakes)lol.

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  2. I think that is so pretty! I need some to go along our chain link fence for sure. Have a great weekend!

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  3. Stopping by from The Great Blog Train~ Lynn

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