Light. Full sun gives the best growth and bloom.
Water. It prefers moist soil but handles short dry periods once established. It does not tolerate flooding with salt or brackish water.
Soil and feeding. Grows in well-drained limestone or sandy soil, including alkaline soil. It needs some organic matter in the top layer to thrive.
Size. Stems grow 5 ft or more, often 6–12 ft. It grows fast; tie it to a fence or trellis, or let it sprawl as a groundcover.
Pruning. Prune in late spring or early summer, after flowering stops. Heavy pruning in late summer can reduce fall and winter bloom.
Good to know. A Florida native, listed as endangered in the state. It handles salt wind well. The flowers close by mid-afternoon, sphinx moths visit them, and birds eat the seeds. In good conditions it can be fairly aggressive.
Sources: Florida Native Plant Society: Jacquemontia pentanthos · Natives for Your Neighborhood (Institute for Regional Conservation): Jacquemontia pentanthos
