Tecomaria capensis
Common Names: Tecoma capensis (syn.), cape honeysuckle
Family: Bignoniaceae (bignonia Family)
Shrub Vine, Attracts Birds, Attracts Hummingbirds,
Can be Grown in Containers, Has evergreen foliage Flowers
Description
Cape honeysuckle is a sprawling, rampant, sometimes vine-like, shrub
with evergreen, opposite, pinnately compound leaves about 6 in (15.2
cm) long. The 5-7 diamond-shaped leaflets are toothed and about 2 in
(5.1 cm) long. Throughout fall and winter Cape honeysuckle produces
clusters of brilliant red-orange to scarlet tubular flowers, each
about 2 in (5.1 cm) long. If pruned to maintain as a shrub, it can
reach 10 ft (3.1 m) or more in height and half as wide. If left to
scramble, Cape honeysuckle can cover 25 ft (7.6 m) or more.
The cultivar, 'Apricot' is smaller and more compact with orange
flowers. 'Aurea' has yellow flowers.
Location
Cape honeysuckle originates from the Cape of Good Hope region of
South Africa, where there are more endemic plant species (species
that occur nowhere else) than any other area in the world. It has
escaped from cultivation and become established in disturbed areas
in Hawaii and Central Florida.
Culture
Light:Full sun is best, but tolerates light shade.
Moisture: Needs good drainage. Does best with regular water, but is
moderately drought tolerant once established.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 9 - 11. Hardy to at least 26ºF (-3.3ºC).
Propagation: By softwood cuttings at any time of year and by seeds.
Cape honeysuckle will take root where branches touch the ground.
Usage
Cape honeysuckle can be used as a climbing vine (it needs tying) or
barrier hedge/screen, trained as a specimen shrub, or used as a
ground cover on steep slopes or rocky banks. It is sometimes trained
as an espalier. It is especially attractive cascading over walls or
planters. It can be trained to a garden arch. Cape honeysuckle is
tolerant of salt spray and accepts acidic to alkaline soils.
Features
Cape honeysuckle attracts hummingbirds and orioles, and it flowers
most of the winter. Grows rapidly. There are several closely related
tropical American shrubs in the genus Tecoma (see Tecoma stans)
which have similar flowers and cultural uses. |
