Quick facts

Family: Bignoniaceae

Origin: Central & South America

Flowers: Purple to lavender, trumpet-shaped, fade lighter with age

Scent: Leaves smell like garlic when crushed (flowers are mildly fragrant)

Growth habit: Woody climber; can reach 20–30 ft (6–9 m) with support

Growing conditions

Light: Full sun to partial shade (best flowering in full sun)

Soil: Well-draining soil

Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established

Climate: Tropical to subtropical (USDA zones ~9–11)

Pruning: Responds well to pruning; helps keep it bushy and controlled

Uses

Ornamental: Popular on trellises, fences, pergolas

Traditional medicine (folk use): Leaves sometimes used as a natural insect repellent or in herbal remedies (not a substitute for medical care)