Unusual Vines of South Florida

On this page we highlight lesser known, unusual vines worth growing in South Florida landscapes...

...Dutchman's Pipe, Stephanotis, Chalice Vine, Mexican Flame Vine, Palay Rubber Vine, Monstera, Jade Vine, and Perennial Morning Glory.

All are fast growers that require regular watering, though none like to be kept overly wet.

Except for perennial morning glory, they all like the warmer weather of Zone 10, though in Zone 9B you can plant a fast-growing vine as a summer annual...and if winter isn't too cold it may come back in spring.

You might have to order these plants from your local nursery, or you may find them at rare plant sales.

"Unusual" doesn't necessarily mean extra care - most of these are easy-to-grow plants that will make your garden areas stand out from the run-of-the-mill landscape.

Dutchman's Pipe Vine

(Aristolochia littoralis)

Dutchman's Pipe Vine blooms on and off all year (more in warm months) with big bizarre blossoms that attract butterflies.

Of all unusual vines, this one's the weirdest.

The flower stem looks like Sherlock Holmes' pipe, and the front is decorated in a burgundy pattern (another common name is "Calico Flower").

The blooms smell awful as they begin to rot (which attracts the butterflies to them) so don't plant too near the house, deck or patio.

This vine is a larval host plant so butterflies-to-be will munch it, but new green growth sprouts quickly to fill in chewed areas.

It contains toxins, so plant in an area away from pets and children. Plant in part sun to part shade.

LANDSCAPE USES: fence, trellis, wall lattice

Stephanotis

(Stephanotis floribunda)

Stephanotis has stunning snowy white flowers that have been used in wedding bouquets - thus the common name "Bridal Bouquet."

This elegant twining vine likes sun to part shade - and blooms nicely in partial shade.

The flowers are fragrant and appear in spring, summer and autumn.

LANDSCAPE USES: fence, trellis, arbor, porch railing

Chalice Vine

(Solandra maxima)

Chalice Vine has immense blooms the size of a dinner goblet that start out cream-colored and turn to yellow.

Another name for this vine is "Cup of Gold." (See photo at top of the page for more flower views.)

It's a very big vine that needs strong support, and contains toxins so wear gloves when handling if you have sensitive skin.

These unusual vines are salt tolerant and prefer growing in part sun to part shade.

They blossom in fall and winter and the flowers are fragrant at nighttime.

LANDSCAPE USES: fence, trellis, arbor, pergola, wall lattice

Mexican Flame Vine

(Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides syn. Senecio confusus)

Mexican Flame Vine attracts butterflies with its spring and summer flowers.

The bright blooms look like little orange daisies.

Very fast-growing for full sun to part shade (blossoms more in sunnier spots).

It can be invasive so choose a planting area with plenty of room.

LANDSCAPE USES: fence, trellis, arbor, lattice enclosure for carport or patio

Jade Vine

(Strongylodon macrobutrys)

Jade Vine has spectacular spring blooms in turquoise, a very rare flower color in nature.

This vine can be hard to find and expensive but the almost unbelievable flower color makes it well worth planting one.

It likes part sun to part shade and may take a year or two before beginning to blossom.

Best in Zone 10, it's fast once established and needs regular water (but don't keep it overly wet).

LANDSCAPE USES: pergola or arbor to show off the long and showy pendulous flowers, or use on a fence or strong trellis

Palay Rubber Vine

(Cryptostegia grandiflora)

Palay Rubber Vine is sometimes called "Purple Allamanda," because of its pretty lavender summer flowers.

Best in full to part sun, it's a twiner that can be invasive so give it lots of room to grow - keep a good distance from the property line so it doesn't invade your neighbor's yard - and pull up sprouted seedlings.

This vine can cause skin irritations so wear gloves when handling and trimming.

LANDSCAPE USES: fence, trellis, arbor, large shrub