THE RED JADE VINE - Mucuna bennettii

THE RED JADE VINE - Mucuna bennettii - http://fineartamerica.com/



If you want tropical climbers in your life then you will be hard pressed to find a specimen more exotic than the outrageous Red jade vine - mucuna bennettii. Native to Papua New Guinea, this species is a relative newcomer to the world of science being formally described by Victorian government botanist Ferdinand von Mueller in 1876.

THE RED JADE VINE - Mucuna bennettii
The amazing, chandelier-like clusters of brilliant red flowers chain together to form a 3' to 4' long raceme. It is a popular choice in gardens that can accommodate it, but it will require certain conditions to thrive.

While it will flourish in tropical regions, it will do well in semi tropical regions too. While it will take as much warmth and light as it can get, its roots must be in shade. You will know if it gets to cold for it as the leaves will start to yellow and drop. This normally occurs if the temperature falls below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is not a particularly difficult plant to grow and you can start off the Mucuna bennettii in a container, but it will need to be as large as you can cope with. Be aware that it will eventually grow to become a very large, woody climber. It can be used to climb a large tree or a very large pergola, just remember, it does need room to spread.

There are  reports of Mucuna bennettii growing to over 100 feet long, with vines covered in meter-long flower clusters.

Mucuna bennettii will flower in the autumn, which if properly pruned, will commence at or around the two-year mark.

For related articles click onto:
The Red Jade vine - Mucuna bennettii
What is the World's Hardiest Passion Flower?
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HOW TO GROW HELICONIA ROSTRATA
HOW TO GROW THE JADE VINE
HOW TO GROW THUNBERGIA MYSORENSIS - The Indian Clock vine
THE JADE VINE
THE RED JADE VINE - Mucuna bennettii
THUNBERGIA MYSORENSIS - The Indian Clock vine

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