Macfadyena Unguis-Cati aka Cat Claw Vine. 20 Seeds. Free Shipping!
NOT AVAILABLE FOR FLORIDA!
What exactly is the cat’s claw plant? Cat’s claw (Macfadyena unguis-cati) is a fast-growing vine that produces a ton of bright, colorful flowers. It spreads rapidly and is considered invasive in some areas, but with the right care, it can be very rewarding. Keep reading for more information about the cat’s claw plant, including tips on how to grow cat’s claw vines and care for them.
Maximum height of growth is 50 ft.
Maximum width of growth is 15 ft.
Requires full exposure to sunlight.
Soil moisture should be moderate.
Hardiness zone can go up to 11b.
Hardiness zone can go down to 9a.
Information Growing a cat’s claw vine is pretty straightforward. The challenge usually lies not in keeping it alive but in controlling its spread. Cat’s claw plants propagate through underground tubers and can unexpectedly emerge in various locations. To prevent this, it’s best to plant it in a confined area, like between a wall and pavement. Cat’s claw is winter hardy in USDA zones 8 to 12 and remains evergreen in zones 9 and higher. It can grow to lengths of 20 to 30 feet (6-9 m.) if it has something to climb on. It thrives on trellises but is also known for its ability to cling to and ascend nearly any surface, including glass.
Growing Cat’s Claw Vines
Caring for a cat’s claw plant is simple. The vines generally prefer moist, well-drained soil, but they can thrive in almost any type as long as it isn’t waterlogged. They enjoy full to partial sunlight. Propagating a cat’s claw plant is a breeze—it grows well from cuttings and can usually be successfully started from the seeds found in its seed pods, which turn brown and split open in the fall. Gather the seeds and keep them dry until you’re ready to plant. Just press them into a pot of growing medium without covering them. To keep the soil moist, cover it with plastic wrap—the seeds should germinate within three weeks to three months and can then be moved to their permanent location in the garden. After that, the plant pretty much takes care of itself, aside from occasional watering. Pruning the vine can also help keep it more manageable.
