Florabunda Seeds - View and order from our Wildflower, Cottage Garden, Heirloom & Unusual Varieties Seed Catalog.

Trailing and Climbing Vines

Items 203-226

203. LOVE-IN-A-PUFF Cardiospermum
Also known as heart-seed or balloon vine. A perfect white heart can be found on the seeds inside the green capsules which appear to have been inflated like a balloon. Truly an unusual annual vine, the lacy, shiny green foliage will eagerly climb up just about anything with the occasional bit of string to help it on its way. Start indoors three weeks before the last frost and set out in rich, well-drained soil. Part shade to sun. Ht. 3 m. Sp. 45 cm. Tr. Germ. 50o-60o. Annual.
$3.00

204. CUP AND SAUCER VINE Cobaea scandens
Named after a Spanish Jesuit missionary who lived in Mexico in the 1700’s and collected botanical specimens; ‘scandens’ refers to the plant’s climbing habit. Branched tendrils at the end of each leaf allow this fast grower to climb unassisted by a trellis or strings. The flowers are quite exotic with their frilly green ‘saucers’ and mauve ‘cups’. As it matures, the entire flower changes in colour from pale green to a deep, velvety lilac. Perfect for use as a screen or to cover that old shed wall. Can reach heights of 6 m. Prefers a sandy soil and lots of water. Part shade to sun. D.S. Sp. 45 cm. Annual.
$3.00

205. GOURDS Curcurbita
These small ornamental gourds are lots of fun for kids. This annual comes in a variety of shapes, colours and sizes. Easy to grow and perfect for fall decorating. The dark green, fuzzy foliage can be trained up a fence or trellis for an interesting display. Start indoors 3 weeks before the last frost in the spring. Tr.
$3.00

206. VEGETABLE SPONGE Luffa cylindrica
This annual climber bears cucumber-like fruits that, when dried, becomes an organic bathing sponge. Grow them up an arbour or on a fence. Over the season they will grow 250 cm or larger. Harvest in the autumn andfinish drying them in a well ventilated area. Direct sow after last frost or start indoors 4-6 weeks earlier.
$3.00

207. BIRDHOUSE GOURDS Curcubita
These easy to grow vines will produce decorative hard-shelled gourds that can be hollowed out and used as a birdhouse. Hormally 20 cm in diameter, they can be grown grown larger by allowing only a few to grow per vine and pinching off the rest. Train up a fence or trellis to keep the fruit off the ground. Start indoors 3 weeks before last frost.
$3.00

208. HYACINTH BEAN Dolichos lablab
White or purple 2 cm sweetly fragrant flowers reminiscent of wisteria cluster along this vigorous annual vine that can reach 6 m in one growing season. An added bonus are the dark purple pods that decorate the vine after flowering. Makes a wonderful screen or windbreak to cover porches, fences etc.Offered in an 1827 Toronto Nursery catalogue. Full sun in good garden soil.
$3.00

209. CYPRESS VINE Ipomoea quamoclit
Introduced to Northern gardens in 1629, this vine sports exotic feathery foliage and will climb 6 m if given well-drained soil and full sun. Hummingbirds love the same intensely red tubular flowers that bloom from midsummer to frost. Needs support.
$3.00

210. EXOTIC LOVE Mina lobata
Introduced in the 1930’s this annual climber has showy flowers, ranging from scarlet-crimson upon opening to yellow and cream in full bloom. The dark green three-lobed leaves are borne on vigorous climbing stems that entwine any sort of support. Another super container plant that makes a long-lasting cut flower. Ht. 3 m. Sp.30 cm . Full Sun. Late summer. D.S. Tr. Annual. Germ. 50o-60o.
$3.00

211. SCARLET RUNNER BEANS Phaseolus coccineus
Here’s a terrific dual purpose plant. Not only does it provide oodles of edible green beans that burst with flavour, this skyward climber will be covered in brilliant red flowers that the hummingbirds can’t get enough of! Planted at the base of a large pole, ours have reached over 3 m. Offered in an 1827 Toronto Nursery catalogue. Well-drained soil, Full sun. D.S. Annual.
$3.00

212. BLACK EYED SUSAN VINE Thunbergia alata
Introduced to gardeners from Africa in 1827, this lover of cool temperatures and moist conditions will brighten up a window box or hanging basket with its perfectly formed orange or white blossoms and dark throats. Given fertile, well drained soil in a partially shaded location, it will trail or twine up to 2 m and can be moved inside for use as an attractive houseplant. Start 8 weeks before last frost for earlier flowers. Can also be direct-seeded. Treat as an annual. Tr.
$3.00

213. CANARY CREEPER VINE Tropaeolum canariense (t. peregrinum)
A very pretty, easy to grow climbing vine in the nasturtium family with bright yellow orchidlike flowers and showy 5-lobed leaves. This Victorian favourite was said to look like canaries in flight. D.S. in warm soil where it can climb or pop seeds in hanging baskets. Needs moisture and some amount of shade. Ht. 3 m . Sp. 30 cm.
$3.00

214. PASSION FLOWER VINE Pasiflora coerulea
Native to tropical America, the Pasiflora was taken to Rome in the early 1600s. Papal scholars interpreted the 10 petals to represent the 10 apostles at the crucifixion of Jesus. The filaments represented the crown of thorns, the 5 anthers the wounds and the 3 stigmas, the nails. Growing quickly to 200 cm in a single season, they bloom profusely with an abundance of 8- 10 cm. white flowers overlaid by a thick halo of blue filaments. Give them a light, sunny site, lots of rich soil and regular feedings of organic fertilizer and they will reward you with a great show. They will also do well inside if given a large container and a warm sunny window.
$3.00

MORNING GLORIES
Not to be confused with their pesky cousin, bindweed, these annual morning glories are a nostalgic symbol of the cottage gardens of the “new world”. For twining up a porch, mailbox, fence, etc. these heat-loving beauties are indispensable. The bloom time of morning glories depends on temperature. Blooms will unfurl as the temperature climbs and then close up if the sun gets too hot. Notice how morning glories cheerfully stay open for prolonged periods on a cloudy day. Soak seeds 24 hours and D.S. in a hot spot or Germ. 65o-70o and Tr. Use individual pots. 10 cm.

215. DWARF MORNING GLORY, ‘Royal Ensign ‘ Convolvulus tricolour minor
Startling deep blue trumpets with a white star encircled by a yellow throat. A dwarf ‘twiner’, this variety will grow up to 60 cm long. Makes an excellent container plant.
$3.00

216. DWARF MORNING GLORY, ‘Red Ensign ‘ Convolvulus tricolour minor
This is the red version of the old favourite ‘Royal Ensign’.
$3.00

217. IMPERIAL MORNING GLORY ‘Scarlet O'Hara’ Ipomoea nil
This species was introduced from Japan in the 19th century. ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ is a spectacular variety with deep red flowers gracing the entire vine all season.
$3.00

218. MOONFLOWER Ipomoea noctiflora
Another twiner, this variety of morning glory, introduced in the late 1800’s begins to flourish just before dusk, when the other varieties have begun to nod for the evening. Moonflowers present large, silky-white platters that emit the scent of cloves from the six-inch across blooms
$3.00

219. CRIMSON RAMBLER Ipomoea purpurea
Since the 1940’s this rare variety boasts trumpets of deep wine red that herald the dawn by unfurling their petals and thrusting skyward.
$3.00

220. EARLY CALL Ipomoea purpurea
Large and early flowering, these plants blossom 3-4 weeks earlier than most and sport a mix of colours. Planted in full sun, they will grow up to 150 cm
$3.00

221. FLYING SAUCER Ipomoea purpurea
Large white funnels with sky blue veins whirl open every morning to reveal a pale yellow centre. Introduced in 1960.
$3.00

222. GRANDPA OTT’S Ipomoea purpurea ‘Grandpa Ott’s’
A treasured heirloom brought to Iowa from Bavaria and saved by the Whealey family of Iowa, this carefree beauty boasts a profusion of small deep-purple flowers with a red star and a glowing pearly red throat.
$3.00

223. IMPERIAL Ipomoea tricolour
Amix of blue, red, pink and white large flowers will gracefully climb 3 m.
$3.00

224. PEARLY GATES Ipomoea purpurea
Perfect white fluted cones grow 12 cm wide and can reach over 3 m high. Stunning grown beside Crimson Rambler. Introduced in 1942.
$3.00

225. HEAVENLY BLUE MORNING GLORY Ipomoea tricolor
Truly iridescent sky-blue 7 cm trumpets with white-yellow throats. The colour becomes mesmerizing in the twilight hours when whites and bright blues are at their most radiant. Introduced in the 1930’s. Ht. 3 m.
$3.00

226. CHOCOLATE MORNING GLORY
Growing to 2.5 m., this vigorous growing variety has 10 cm. soft chocolate coloured flowers. Very unusual. $3.00
$3.00