Pink Trumpet Vine (Podranea ricasoliana): Vibrant Color for Hot Climates

Pink trumpet vine dazzles whether trained on a trellis or grown as a sprawling shrub. Its lush foliage and pink flowers bring a tropical feel to hot, dry Southwestern gardens.

Botanical Name: Podranea ricasoliana
Common Names: Pink Trumpet Vine, Port St. John’s Creeper, Queen of Sheba
Origin: South Africa
Hardiness: USDA zone 7 (hardy to 10°F)
Water Needs: Low to moderate
Light Requirements: Full sun
Mature Size: 20 ft tall and wide

Seasonal Interest

Large pink flowers in spring and fall.

Planting Time

Fall or spring.

Distinguishing Traits

South African native thrives in hot, dry conditions with tropical appearance. Evergreen in frost-free zones; suffers frost damage below freezing. In zones 7–8, may die to roots but recovers quickly in spring. Pinnate leaves with 7–9 leaflets, each ~2 inches. Flowers appear in clusters at ends of arching branches when temperatures stay above freezing; may pause in intense summer heat. Vigorous—prune in warm season to control shape.

Design Uses

Versatile: grow as vine (needs trellis) or sprawling shrub. Allow room—reaches 20 ft high/wide. Disguise walls/fences, dress up side yards across windows, use near pools on patio pillars or arbors.

Planting and Care

Likes fertile soil; amend with 1:1 compost:soil. Full sun best; filtered shade reduces flowering. Water to 2 ft depth: weekly in summer, twice monthly in spring/fall, monthly in winter.