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Antigonon leptopus is a Mexican native that grows well in Cyprus. Classed as a vine, it's long tendrils helps it to quickly climb to 13 or 14 metres, so give it plenty of space and something to hang on to. Plant antigonon in the hottest, sunniest part of the garden as it can tolerate drought or use it to drape over a wall or hedge. Sprays of flowers, rather like wisteria, but coral coloured as its name suggests, hang from this very pretty plant from early summer to autumn. The abundant and brilliantly beautiful flowers attract butterflies and bees to your garden!
Regular pruning helps keep the plant in good shape so cut off any dead leaves and stems in early spring. If you live by the sea then it will almost certainly be evergreen, but low winter night temperatures will cause the heart-shaped leaves to fall and it would be better to protect it during this time. Too much food causes vigorous leaf growth at the expense of flowers so use a fertiliser with a low first number. Propagation can be done by seeds, layers, and stem cuttings or from division of the roots.
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