Unleash the Beauty: A Diverse Array of Red Flowering Vines

Are you in search of an awe-inspiring climbing vine that will add a touch of elegance to your garden? Perhaps you desire a vibrant vine adorned with red flowers that will beautifully scale a fence or wall, injecting a burst of color into your surroundings. While there are many options available, the mass of climbing vines with red flowers holds a unique charm. Their ability to flourish with minimal maintenance is truly remarkable. So, where should you start? With an abundance of choices suitable for various hardiness zones, we have carefully selected our favorite red flowering vines. No matter where you reside, you are bound to discover the perfect addition to your home or garden space. Let’s embark on this journey of beauty.

Coral Honeysuckle Vine

Scientific Name: Lonicera sempervirens L.
Plant Type: Perennial vine
Geographic Origin: Eastern United States
Plant Size: 15 to 25 feet tall and 15 to 25 feet wide
Sun Exposure: Full or Partial Sun
Plant Zone: 4 through 11

The Coral Honeysuckle Vine is a high-climbing wonder, its glossy green leaves beautifully adorned with clusters of tubular, red blooms and bright red berries. The trumpet-shaped flowers, with their yellow interior, not only captivate the eyes but also serve as a favorite food source for hummingbirds. Coral honeysuckle is an excellent climber and can even function as a ground cover. Unlike other honeysuckle species, this vine is not overly aggressive or invasive, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of locations across the United States. Once established, it can withstand drought and heat, with its leaves retaining their verdant shade in warmer climates. This vine owes its name to Adam Lonicer, a 16th-century German botanist.

Crossvine

Scientific Name: Bignonia capreolata L.
Plant Type: Semi-evergreen vine
Geographic Origin: South Eastern United States
Plant Size: 30 to 50 feet tall and 6 to 9 feet wide
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 6 through 9

Crossvine, a striking member of the Bignoniaceae family, showcases abundant red blooms throughout the summer months. Its bright green leaves add vibrancy to any landscape. Native to swamps, woods, and roadsides in the southeastern United States, this red flowering vine can reach impressive heights of up to 50 feet. The trumpet-shaped flowers sport a deep orange-red color and attract ants and ruby-throated hummingbirds with their delectable nectar. As an ornamental vine, crossvine is easy to manage and makes a wonderful addition to your garden or landscape.

Dwarf Red Jade Vine

Scientific Name: Camptosema spectabile
Plant Type: Perennial vine
Geographic Origin: Brazil
Plant Size: 12 to 15 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide
Sun Exposure: Full or Partial Sun
Plant Zone: 9 through 11

Originating from Brazil, the Dwarf Red Jade Vine is a breathtaking red flowering vine that attracts butterflies with its crimson blooms. Despite its origin in a hot and humid climate, this hardy vine can withstand light frosts and cooler temperatures. Once established, it rapidly climbs and produces thick tendrils, making it the perfect choice for adorning an arbor. Keep in mind that the vine requires regular watering until it becomes well-established. While it blooms quickly, it reaches its full blossoming potential about two to three years after planting. Begin with partial sun exposure and gradually transition to full sun to avoid leaf burn.

Lipstick Plant

Scientific Name: Aeschynanthus radicans
Plant Type: Evergreen vine
Geographic Origin: Southeast Asia
Plant Size: 3 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
Sun Exposure: Partial Shade
Plant Zone: 10 through 11

The Lipstick Plant, belonging to the Gesneriaceae family, enchants with its vivid red flowers. While it is not technically a vine, it grows similarly and adds a touch of elegance to any garden. These vines are often found growing on top of other plants and can also be grown indoors as hanging basket plants. Known as the Mona Lisa vine, this stunning species boasts brilliant red blooms that contrast beautifully with its deep-green leaves throughout the year. The plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring ample light to thrive. Avoid direct sunlight, as it may overwhelm the vine, but ensure it receives enough light to prevent leaf drop. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to fungal issues and root rot.

Rangoon Creeper

Scientific Name: Combretum indicum
Plant Type: Perennial vine
Geographic Origin: Asia
Plant Size: Up to 30 feet tall and 8 to 26 feet wide
Sun Exposure: Full Sun or Partial Shade
Plant Zone: 10 through 11

If you desire a fragrant vine with radiant red flowers, the Rangoon Creeper is an excellent choice. This creeper vine hails from the secondary forests and thickets of India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The star-like flowers start as white blossoms that gradually transform into pink and eventually assume a deep red hue. Emitting a delightful fragrance, these blossoms thrive on archways and arbors.

Red Bougainvillea Vine

Scientific Name: Bougainvillea spectabilis
Plant Type: Evergreen vine
Geographic Origin: Central and South America
Plant Size: Up to 40 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 9 through 11

While Bougainvillea is commonly seen as a red flowering shrub or ground cover, it can also be grown as a vine. This spectacular vine with red flowers thrives in its native habitats of Central and South America, as well as the Gulf Coast, Florida, and south Texas. It can even withstand light frosts once established. The heaviest blooms occur in the cooler months of spring and fall, with the plant entering a dormant phase during the summer. With stiff stems and needle-like thorns, this quick-growing vine requires proper support for climbing.

Red Cardinal Climber Vine

Scientific Name: Ipomoea × multifida
Plant Type: Annual vine
Geographic Origin: Central and South America
Plant Size: 10 to 15 feet tall and ½ foot to 1 foot wide
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 3 through 11

Red cardinal climbers, a cross between the cypress vine and the scarlet morning glory, are a sight to behold. Growing them requires rich, well-draining soil and full sun exposure, although they can tolerate some shade. Starting seeds indoors is recommended in regions with shorter growing seasons, with the plants being transplanted once the last frost has passed. In warmer climates, the hybrid vine reseeds easily and can become vigorous if not tended to. These delightful climbers are adorned with showy flowers, creating a breathtaking floral display.

Red Climbing Fuchsia

Scientific Name: Fuchsia magellanica
Plant Type: Perennial semi-climbing shrub
Geographic Origin: Southern Chile and Argentina
Plant Size: 2 to 10 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide
Sun Exposure: Full Sun or Partial Shade
Plant Zone: 6 through 9

Although not technically vines, Fuchsia plants grow in a similar manner and beautifully accent any garden. With pendant-shaped flowers that blossom from summer to autumn, these hardy plants boast pretty red blooms that contrast gorgeously with their surroundings. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate both full sun exposure and partial shade. The flowers’ pollen-rich display entices moths, bees, butterflies, and caterpillars alike, making them an invaluable addition to any wildlife garden.

Red Climbing Roses

Scientific Name: Rosa santana
Plant Type: Perennial shrub
Geographic Origin: Northern Hemisphere
Plant Size: 6 to 8 feet high and 3 to 4 feet wide
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 6 through 8

Santana roses, also known as red climbing roses, exude an alluring fragrance and showcase remarkable clusters of ruby-red roses against a backdrop of glossy, dark green leaves. These hybrid tea roses bloom from early spring to late autumn, gracing your garden with their splendor. Flourishing in a sunny, sheltered spot and adaptable to various soil types, these climbing roses are incredibly resistant to downy mildew and reasonably resistant to blackspot. Their unmatched beauty captivates all who behold them.

Red Firecracker Vine

Scientific Name: Ipomoea lobata
Plant Type: Annual vine
Geographic Origin: Mexico and Brazil
Plant Size: 3 to 4 feet tall and at least 6 feet high
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 10 through 11

The Red Firecracker Vine, also known as the Spanish flag vine, is a widely grown ornamental plant celebrated for its attractive appearance. Its fiery red blooms grace gardens, gazebos, hedges, and balconies with their vibrant colors. When establishing the vine, ensure regular watering until it becomes well-rooted. Once established, it becomes reasonably drought-tolerant, though sufficient water is still necessary. The vine’s vibrant red blossoms appear from mid to late summer until the first frost, attracting an array of pollinators, including bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

Red Flowering Cypress Vine

Scientific Name: Ipomoea quamoclit L.
Plant Type: Annual vine
Geographic Origin: Central and South America
Plant Size: 6 to 15 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 10 through 11

The Red Flowering Cypress Vine, native to Central and South America, finds great success in the warm climate of Texas. Requiring minimal care, this vine flourishes in any soil type and can withstand short dry periods. Its loose leaves and myriad of tubular red flowers create a breathtaking spectacle, attracting plenty of pollinators. Commonly referred to as the Hummingbird Flower, the red cypress vine practically seeds itself once established, resulting in new blooms appearing within a span of only forty-five days.

Red Iochroma

Scientific Name: Iochroma fuchsioides
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Geographic Origin: Mexico, Columbia, and Peru
Plant Size: 8 to 12 feet high and 3 to 9 feet wide
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 9 through 10

Originating from the forests of Mexico and South America, the Red Iochroma enchants with its tubular, bright red flowers. Its attractiveness to hummingbirds makes it a must-have for any garden. Commonly used as patio shrubs in cooler plant zones, these climbing shrubs are predominantly renowned for their enchanting flowers. While they require protection during the winter months in cooler climates, they thrive in full sun exposure and well-drained soil.

Red Mandevilla Vine

Scientific Name: Mandevilla sanderi
Plant Type: Perennial vine
Geographic Origin: Central America, South America, West Indies
Plant Size: 3 to 10 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Plant Zone: 9 through 11

Red Mandevilla Vine, also known as Red Riding Hood flowers, possesses a captivating charm. This delightful vine boasts dreamy, pleasant fragrance and blossoms year-round. It is not known to be invasive, and common pests or diseases pose little concern. However, be cautious of mealybugs, which can occasionally infest these gorgeous plants. Offering a breathtaking display, this vine grows best in well-drained soil with ample moisture.

Red Morning Glory

Scientific Name: Ipomoea coccinea L.
Plant Type: Annual vine
Geographic Origin: North, Central, and South America
Plant Size: 8 to 12 feet tall and 5 to 20 feet wide
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 9 through 11

The Red Morning Glory vine, named for its resemblance to a worm, is a vibrant addition to any garden. Its vivid orange-red trumpet-shaped flowers attract an array of insects and birds with their nectar. These flowers facilitate self-pollination, as pollinators are covered in pollen when they visit. With its stunning visual display and abundant nectar, this vine is a delightful choice for nature enthusiasts.

Red Trumpet Vine

Scientific Name: Campsis radicans
Plant Type: Perennial vine
Geographic Origin: Eastern and Southern United States
Plant Size: 30 to 40 feet high and 5 to 6 feet wide
Sun Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
Plant Zone: 4 through 9

Red Trumpet Vine offers an alluring display of flower clusters that bring beauty to any garden or landscape. This vine attracts a variety of insects, hummingbirds, and butterflies. When planting red trumpet vines, strategic placement is crucial, as their aerial rootlets can potentially damage structures. Controlling their aggressive growth prevents them from overpowering your garden. They flourish under full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade.

Scarlet Clematis Vine

Scientific Name: Clematis texensis
Plant Type: Perennial vine
Geographic Origin: Southeastern United States
Plant Size: 6 to 9 feet high and 2 to 3 feet wide
Sun Exposure: Partial Shade
Plant Zone: 4 through 8

The Scarlet Clematis Vine, also known as Texas Clematis or Scarlet Leatherflower, is a deciduous perennial vine that graces the southeastern United States. Its delicate stems give it an exquisite appearance, while its partial shade exposure and neutral to alkaline pH soil provide the ideal environment for growth. This hungry plant benefits from the regular addition of low-nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season.

Scarlet Runner Bean

Scientific Name: Phaseolus coccineus
Plant Type: Perennial vine
Geographic Origin: Central and South America
Plant Size: 8 to 12 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 7 through 11

Scarlet Runner Bean is a twining perennial vine that produces both showy flowers and tasty beans. Native to the mountain ranges of Central and South America, this vine delights with its vibrant scarlet flowers, which resemble pea blossoms. The beans are delicious when harvested young but become less palatable if left on the vine for too long. Scarlet Runner Beans grace your garden with their beauty and offer a bountiful harvest.

Immerse yourself in a world of beauty by cultivating these diverse and captivating red flowering vines. Each variety brings its unique charm, whether it be stunning flowers, delightful fragrances, or the sheer joy of attracting pollinators. Embark on this enchanting journey and unleash the beauty of your garden with these magnificent red flowering vines.

For more information and inspiration, visit the Ames Farm Center.