Heteropterys glabra

Redwing is a hardy, woody vine or scrambling shrub native to South America in the Malpighiaceae family. The genus name is derived from hetero, meaning different and pterys meaning wing for the winged seeds.

The vine can grow from 7 to 15 feet and needs the support of a fence or arbor, or it will grow up through small trees or shrubs in the landscape. If left with no support, it has an untidy mounding habit.Planting in full sun in moist soil with good drainage will ensure the best floral and fruit display, but it will grow well in a shadier location. It tolerates drought, but does best in a slightly moist, well-drained soil. Young plants appear to die back to the ground for the first couple of years, but once established, the stems stay green during all but the coldest winters.

Redwing produces gold flowers in early summer, followed quickly by red fruits. Redwing continues to produce flowers and fruit into the fall. The foliage begins as burgundy before turning glossy green.

It makes an outstanding landscape plant, growing on any vertical surface as screening, an accent or specimen plant or in cottage gardens.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:    No significant insect pests or diseases.