Mucuna cyclocarpa

Purple Jade Vine – This rare and unique vine was first brought to the Garden in 1997 after John Fairey recieved seed from the Shanghai Botanical Gardens. A plant grown from this original batch of seeds is still growing wildly along the fenceline of John's former house in the Garden! Purple Jade Vine acts as a perennial in our climate, dying back to the ground each winter but very quickly reemerging in the spring and reaching full growth by mid summer. Beginning in July, large clusters of purple flowers emerge densely, and they are truly a unique sight. The flowers have a plastic-like texture and are a vivid royal-purple, with stamens that are completely enclosed and sealed within the flower. In order to get seed to set on this vine, the flowers need to be hand-pollinated, which is fantastic since it prevents the vine from spreading into unwanted areas. Plant in full sun and in well-draining soil. This vine is vigorous but not aggressive and will need plenty of space to climb!