Fragrant Snail Vine
Vigna caracalla 'Thomas Jefferson'
SKU
41340
A highly fragrant, fast growing summer blooming vine with curled flowers resembling a snail's shell, in distinctive shades of lavender, white and creamy yellow. Twining habit is perfect for covering unsightly walls or fences. Sets pods after bloom; dried seed may be planted the following season. Often confused with the species Phaseolus (Vigna) caracalla, which has lesser fragrance.
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Full sun, Partial sun
Needs regular watering - weekly, or more often in extreme heat.
We no longer grow this plant
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| Botanical Pronunciation | VIG-nuh kar-uh-KAL-uh |
|---|---|
| Lore | On April 1, 1792, Thomas Jefferson wrote to Benjamin Hawkins about the Vigna caracalla, saying "The most beautiful bean in the world is the caracalla bean which, though in England a green-house plant, will grow in the open air in Virginia and Carolina." |
| Average Size at Maturity | Twining stems 15 to 20 ft. long. |
| Bloom Time | Purple flowers infused with white and creamy yellow, summer to early fall |
| Deciduous/ Evergreen | Semi-evergreen |
| Flower Attribute | Fragrant, Showy Flowers |
| Flower Color | Purple |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Garden Style | Cottage, Rustic, Tropical |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Landscape Use | Container, Espalier, Coastal Exposure |
| Light Needs | Full sun, Partial sun |
| Special Feature | Easy Care |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Watering Needs | Needs regular watering - weekly, or more often in extreme heat. |
Provide well drained soil. Thrives in warm, humid conditions. Provide support such as a trellis or arbor. Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Apply a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring.
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This Plant's Growing Zones: 10 - 11
Your climate may be too cold for this plant