I did some research several years ago before I planted mine. There are named varieties such as Major Wheeler, but I could never find them locally and mail order was expensive, so just went with what my local nursery offered. I have been pleased with it.

A plant man once told me that growers will sometimes grow an improved variety without naming it so perhaps I have 'Major Wheeler' after all. Nurseries besides Lowe's usually carry it so call around and ask.

Named Varieties

We purchased 'Major Wheeler' (red) and 'John Clayton' (yellow) starter plants from a reliable Arkansas nursery ebay store for less than $15 total delivered. Looks like they currently have both in stock.

The small starting size is not too bad since they grow pretty fast and topped the 6 ft fence in the first year, though still take a few to really fill out. Both are nice, but MW is my favorite of the two.

Great plant. It is native to eastern Texas. Mine followed me to NM and is

Doing great. Now part of it will go with us to Northern Al.

If you think they will root would be glad to send cuttings.