Would you consider rooted tropical passiflora? I'm currently a renter, so all my stuff is containerized. I have Red Star, which is currently so full of blooms it's amazing, and Alta. The leaves on Alta are large and heart shaped, and the flowers are burgandy. They are cut back in the winter, such as it is in Louisiana, and are protected when necessary. Look at my list also. I have even more than what's there. Debbie

Hmm, I'm coming to this thread quite late in the game . . . But, if you're still looking, I have some fun stuff you might like. I have lots of big white callas (the traditional callas that get to about 3'-4' tall), fragrant yellow ginger (Hedychium flavescens), lots of Red Hot Pokers, white Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus) and other things on my trade list. Let me know if any of this sounds tempting to you. Thanks! Chris - THGA Here is a link that might be useful: My Trade Page

I have had a crossvine for perhaps eight years and I have to say that I have been disappointed with it. It flowers beautifully, but the hummingbirds don't seem to like it. This has been the experience of others on the hummer forums. Also, mine has one good bloom and then afterwards there aren't many to speak of.

I'm in the same z5a as you and I cannot keep a Trumpet Vine alive. That said, I have seen it growing in Hanover which is just west and a bit north of us. The spot it's in is more sheltered than what I have. We are out in the country and it is very open and windy in winter. Someone might be able to grow it in the city, in a sheltered spot. When I saw the Crossvine and read that it was a relative of the TV and an annual that set seeds, I thought it might be worth getting, even if I have to start a new one each year. Marg