Antigonon

( an - TIG - oh - non )

At-A-Glance Information

Antigonon is a small genus that includes species of vigorous vines that produce either pink or white flowers. These vines grow from tuberous roots which are edible. They can be evergreen in tropical environments and warmer areas in their zone range, but are considered deciduous elsewhere. Use these vining plants to add foliage to structures or trellises, as groundcover plants, to climb over fences, or simply as specimen plants for their beautiful floral displays. Take care when planting these vines in the landscape, as they are considered invasive in some areas.

Antigonon species and Varietals

The genus Antigonon includes three species and is a member of the plant family Polygonaaceae. These vines grow best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or in Sunset growing zones 12, 13, 18-24, H1 and H2. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Antigonon flavescens (Lovechain, Coralvine, Mexican Creeper, Queen's Wreath)
This species is native to Mexico, and stems are branching with tendrils that grasp on to structures and other plants. Leaves are alternately arranged, and flowers are commonly white, though they do also come in pink, purple, or yellowish. Flower clusters appear near stem ends.

Antigonon leptopus (Confederate Vine, Mexican Coral Vine, Mexican Creeper, Queen's Wreath, Queen's Jewels, Chain-of-Love, Mountain Rose Coralvine)
This species of Antigonon is commonly called Queen's Wreath, and is evergreen or deciduous (depending on the climate and protection the vine gets). Mexican Coral Vine needs full sun and moderate to regular water. It is native to Mexico, where summers are long and hot, and grows from tubers. A quick grower, it climbs by tendrils to reach 40 feet long, creating an open foliage cover. Leaves are bright green and flowers bloom in trailing sprays from midsummer to fall. Considered invasive in tropical and subtropical areas; namely the Caribbean and Florida.

'Album'
A rare, white-flowering variety.

'Baja Red'
Hot rose-pink blooms.

Caring for antigonon

Antigonon vines are commonly purchased as seed; they are not widely sold as specimens from nurseries. Plant Lovechain in full sun; ensure that these vines receive at least between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day. It is also critical to ensure that there will be adequate space for the vine when it is fully grown; they are vigorous and fast-growing, reaching up to 40 feet (8-10 feet per season). Antigonon vines prefer well-draining average soil, though they can tolerate poor soil and a wide range of conditions. Soil should ideally have a pH of between 6.1 and 7.8. If local soils are compacted, do not drain well, or are particularly poor in nutrients, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic matter or compost before installing. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant after installation, ensuring that mulch stays at least a few inches away from the stems. This will increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and maintain a constant soil temperature. Keep the soil moist while plants establish a strong root system; mature plants are considered somewhat drought-tolerant, but they do appreciate consistent moisture during the growth and flowering season. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Cut back vines in late winter or early springtime, removing dead, damaged, diseased, or errant stems. These plants will experience dieback in frosty conditions, but will bounce back the following growing season with vigorous new growth. Shape plants in summertime (before September) to remove leggy growth and encourage a bushier habit to form. Protect vines, especially when young, from frost with frost cloth. If the entire plant dies back to the ground over winter, make sure to mulch heavily around the base to insulate the tuber root from freezes so that it can regrow in the spring. Antigonon vines can live for many years in the landscape before needing to be replaced.

Harvesting Antigonon
Antigonon plants are considered edible, with their roots, leaves, flowers, and seeds all being consumed in various ways. Tuber roots are cooked and eaten as a vegetable, and have a nutty flavor to them. The flowers and leaves can be used as garnish for dishes or drinks, or simply added to salads or other recipes. They can also be coated in spiced flour and fried. Seeds are typically either roasted like popcorn or ground into flour.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Antigonon can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Antigonon vine, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Antigonon by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 4-6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new vine.

Propagating Antigonon by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
Harvest your seeds. The seeds on these vining plants are held inside of seed pods that emerge after flowers have faded. The pods will turn dry and brown before splitting open and spilling their contents. Gather them when they are just beginning to open up, place them in a paper bag, and bring them indoors. The bag can be shaken to release more seeds, or they can be allowed to open on their own. The seeds can be stored in a cool, dark, dry place for later use if desired.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

An Antigonon seed pod.

Antigonon seeds are tapered at one end, and are typically a warm brown color.

Problems and Pests

Antigonon vines are themselves considered pests in some landscapes; in tropical and subtropical areas (including Florida, Micronesia, Northern Australia and the Caribbean), they grow aggressively, shading out lower-growing foliage plants and seeding prolifically. Check with local authorities before planting. Antigonon vines can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape: