Is Coral Vine invasive?

Yes, it is considered highly invasive in many warm climates where it can outcompete native vegetation.

How do I control its growth?

Regular pruning is necessary to keep this vigorous vine within its designated space.

Plant guide

Coral vine.

Antigonon leptopus

Pronounced an-TIG-oh-non LEP-toe-pus

Also known as Confederate-vine, Coral Bells, Coral Creeper, Coral Vine, Coralita, Coralito, Corallita, Honolulu Creeper

Coral vine is a fast growing, showy climber that loves to scramble over fences and trellises. It produces beautiful clusters of pink or white flowers that really pop against its heart shaped leaves. You will find it thrives best in warm climates where it can soak up plenty of sun.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial vine
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 20 to 40 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 8 to 11
Bloom time: Late spring to first frost

Care

Give this vine a sturdy trellis to climb and plenty of space to spread out. Watch for yellowing leaves which might mean it is getting too much water. Prune it back hard in the winter to keep it from taking over your garden.

Watering: Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Cut back the entire plant in late winter to encourage fresh growth.
Repotting: Move to a larger container if the roots begin to circle the pot.
Soil: Well draining sandy or loamy soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -4 to 40°C
Humidity: 40 to 80%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: The plant is not considered highly toxic, but ingestion of large quantities may cause mild stomach irritation.
Children: The seeds and tubers should be kept away from small children to prevent accidental ingestion or choking.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The pollen may trigger mild allergic reactions in those sensitive to airborne particles.
Edibility: While the tubers are sometimes cooked and eaten in some cultures, they should be avoided unless properly prepared as they can cause digestive upset.

How to identify it

Heart shaped green leaves
Clusters of bright pink flowers
Vigorous climbing vine habit
Tendrils for grasping supports

Height: 3 to 12m
Spread: 2 to 6m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: pink, white, 1 to 2cm
Fruit: brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

AphidsCommon
Powdery MildewCommon
Root RotUncommon
Sooty MoldUncommon

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings, division
When to plant: spring, early summer
Overwintering: In cooler areas, cut the vine back to the ground after the first frost. The tubers will remain dormant until spring.
In containers: It can be grown in large containers with a minimum size of 40 liters, provided it has a strong trellis.

Seed

1. Collect mature brown seeds in autumn.
2. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours.
3. Plant in well draining soil.
4. Keep warm until germination.

Cuttings

1. Take semi hardwood cuttings in summer.
2. Dip ends in rooting hormone.
3. Place in moist potting mix.
4. Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.

Plant this vine near sturdy structures as it will quickly overwhelm smaller, more delicate plants.

Grows well with

Lantana · Both plants enjoy similar sunny conditions and attract pollinators.
Bougainvillea · They share a love for heat and provide a dramatic display of color.

Similar species

Morning Glory · Both are fast growing vines that require support.

Science

Family: Polygonaceae
Genus: Antigonon
Order: Caryophyllales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Mexico and Central America
Conservation: This plant is considered invasive in many tropical regions and should be planted with caution.

It thrives in disturbed areas and along roadsides where it can climb over other vegetation to reach sunlight.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental vine, trellis cover, pollinator garden

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is Coral Vine invasive?: Yes, it is considered highly invasive in many warm climates where it can outcompete native vegetation.
How do I control its growth?: Regular pruning is necessary to keep this vigorous vine within its designated space.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Antigonon comes from the Greek words for against and angle, while the species name leptopus refers to its slender stalks.

Good to know

It is commonly known as Coral Vine because of its bright, coral pink flowers.
The plant produces underground tubers that allow it to survive periods of drought.
It is a very fast grower and can cover a fence in a single season.

Also in

Drought-tolerant plants

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.