Flame Vine
Species evaluated with the Predictive Tool: Predicted to be invasive and not recommended by IFAS. Will be reassessed every 10 years.
In particular cases, this species may be considered for use under specific management practices that have been approved by the IFAS Invasive Plant Working Group.
UF/IFAS adheres to the most conservative recommendation.
Flame vine (Pyrostegia venusta) is a stunning plant that grows in many parts of Florida. At a time of year when there isn’t much in the way of eye-catching color, flame vine dazzles with dense clusters of bright orange flowers.
Characteristics
The IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas has predicted that flame vine has the potential to be a problem species and is not recommended. It’s also invasive in other parts of the world like Tanzania, Australia, and Hawaii. Conscientious gardeners with flame vine in their landscapes should take note and control their vine’s growth to prevent it from escaping the confines of their yard.
Flame vine, which was formerly known as Pyrostegia ignea, is a flowering woody vine in the Bignoniaceae family, which also includes trumpet creeper. This sprawling vine sets your landscape ablaze with clusters of orange, 3-inch long tubular flowers from fall to spring; in some areas it may even flower lightly during the summer.
This vine is fast growing, and can spread like wildfire if left unattended. Using its tendrils to climb, flame vine is great for covering fences. With regular maintenance, it can be kept in check and looking lovely. Just don’t let it roam too freely—flame vine has been known to choke trees over which it’s been allowed to grow.
That being said, hummingbirds love the tubular flowers for their nectar. On top of that, this South American native is virtually pest-free, meaning that most of your upkeep will be limited to control.
Planting and Care
Flame vine will climb anything that offers decent support, so while it’s great for fences, trellises, and archways, avoid planting near trees that could be strangled by its rapid growth. Hardy in USDA zones 9–11, flame vine can sometimes be found flowering as far north as zone 8b.
Given a spot in full to partial sun, this vine will flourish and has a high drought tolerance once established. Flame vine does require regular pruning to keep the it under control. This vine naturally flowers most at the top of the structure it’s growing on. While this plant does produce bean-like seed pods, the pods rarely contain viable seeds.