Antigonon leptopus

Autumn-blooming climber Antigonon leptopus

This is a pretty, lightweight climber, sometimes known as coral vine, that blooms from late summer into autumn. Growing from tuberous roots, it scrambles over fences, pergolas or trees, using coiling tendrils, and produces long panicles of bright pink flowers above its heart-shaped leaves. It comes from Mexico and belongs to the small Polygonaceae family of plants, which also includes the genus Persicaria, members of which grow well in our Sydney climate. It can reputedly scale heights of between 8 and 12 m, but I have not found it a nuisance. It is deciduous and herbaceous in cold climates but more permanent in warmer areas - however, I cut back all the stems almost to the ground anyway in late winter and allow it to regrow over the summer months. This way, old foliage doesn't build up and it is kept under reasonable control, and this also allows sunlight to get through whatever it is growing on in winter! The vine grows best in full sun, but is said to tolerate part or dappled shade. Once established, it seems to cope with drought conditions. It is frost tender but has survived the occasional frosts I have experienced in my garden over the years. Propagation is by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. A white-flowered version apparently exists but I have never seen it.