The vine has its roots in beautiful Mexico, as its common name suggests. This lovely twining vine can grow up to 10 feet long and features evergreen leaves that look like charming arrowheads with lovely serrated edges—similar to the succulent leaves of German Ivy. The leaves are arranged alternately along the vine, creating a lush, deep green backdrop for its vibrant “flame.” As the delightful flowers mature, they transition from bright orange to a stunning almost-red hue, eventually giving way to fruiting structures that resemble tiny versions of dandelion fluff.
This plant is a favorite among butterflies, especially the lovely gulf fritillaries, and it also attracts wonderful hummingbirds! Unfortunately, it doesn’t fare well in hard freezes, so make sure to use it annually in most areas, except for South Texas where it can thrive year after year.
