Fast-growing, twining 20-25' long vine attracts
butterflies with fragrant flowers from midsummer
into fall. The 2" blooms have a unique shell-like
shape. Can even be grown in containers. Vigna
caracalla
Zones: 9-10 - Shipped in 3" pot - Full sun - Deer tend to avoid
Foliage Type: Rich green, with 3 broad-ovate, pointed leaflets 3" - 5" long and 3" - 4" wide
Flower Form: 2" with the upper petal attractively contorted and bent backwards and the keel elongated and coiled in 4 or 5 spirals like a snails shell.
Flower Color: White, creamy white with attractive pinkish-lilac wings
Flowering Date: Mid summer into early fall
Planting Requirements: Plant so that the crown is just below soil-level, firm well and water thoroughly
Soil Requirements: Well drained, humus enriched
Growth Rate: Very fast once established, which takes approximately 2 - 3 weeks
Unique Characteristics: An outstanding and exotic looking, fast growing vine that produces masses of fragrant flowers carried in bold clusters around strong 6" - 8" stems. The large, spiraling flowers are extremely attractive and create an on-going display all summer long. The flowers show up especially well set against the handsome mid-green foliage. This rare and unusual vine is ideal grown over a fence, trellis or arbor and can be used over lattice work to create shade for a deck or patio. It can even be grown in containers over a support. The most out-standing and floriferous member of this family. Totally unique
Pruning: Only for aesthetics and to keep in bounds
Time of Pruning: Any time
Additional Information: Has become naturalized in California. One of Thomas Jefferson's favorite plants at Monticello. Has been in cultivation since the late 1700s
Since 1800 but the climbing shell plant is new to me. If you have grown this vine please rate the floral impact and vining habits. Thanks.
- Saturday, March 28, 2009
Non-stop flowers
Reviewed By:
Putch (Houston, Texas)
Bought this plant from Springhill a couple of years ago. We have a covered patio and grew this up the pillars of the patio up to the roof. It grows incredibly fast, and flowers almost non-stop year round. The entire vine is covered in beautiful purple flowers. Last year we got a freeze and all of the folliage died. I thought we had lost it, but a few weeks ago (spring) it started growing up the pillars like a weed again. I love this plant!
- Sunday, March 22, 2009
Gorgeous!
Reviewed By:
Megan (Saratoga Springs, UT)
I've bought this plant twice now from Spring Hill Nurseries. I needed to dig it up and store it over the winter (zone 5 or 6) but forgot (new baby.) My kids love this plant as much as I do. We've had a lot of success, usually getting at least 5-6 by the end of our short growing season. Will order it again this year but promise to dig it up and overwinter it inside. FABULOUS plant.
- Saturday, March 21, 2009
Neighbors all ask about it
Reviewed By:
Lin (Elgin, IL)
My area only allows these as annuals, so I placed them in big containers with tall obelisks on each side of my south facing front door and they were so unusual and fun to watch. Each day there was new growth. They had to be clipped back with a scissors almost every day because or they would have gotten out of control, but that was a kick as well. Doing it again this year. I cut some of the flowers and put them in a small vase for my windowsill. People walking by kept asking me what they were.
- Saturday, March 21, 2009
Great Vine
Reviewed By:
Jo Storie (Oklahoma City, Ok)
Last year was my first with this vine and it grew vigorously and I loved it. Am looking forward to seeing what it will do this year. Hope it comes back.
- Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Beautiful and unique
Reviewed By:
Rob (Salisbury, Md)
Bought one of these last spring, grew to over 8 feet high by the end of the summer, had over 50 flowers. A unique and attractive addition to any garden. Easy to grow clippings from, and flourishes indoors as well.
- Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Nice vine
Reviewed By:
Machelle (Waterloo, IA)
The first year I ordered this I got it in time to plant. It grows really fast and is really quite beautiful. The second year I got it so late it never really had a chance to grow. The only drawback to this plant for me is that it is not a perennial in my area.
