I only know one gardener who's had success with mina lobata, and she had to bring it in at the end of the summer where it bloomed on her sunporch. So, the issue here is length of growing season. Although it's possible to grow this one in a shorter season area, as the picture to the left attests, it's better where it can grow as a perennial (zones 8 and south).

All warnings aside, the flowers of the mina lobata are one of a kind, starting as wavy, scarlet tendrils that fade to white as they age. A striking combination, and very exotic looking at its peak.

For the adventurous gardener, or perhaps one who loves vines!