#579 Tecomaria capensis Common Names: Tecoma capensis (syn.), cape honeysuckle Family: Bignoniaceae (bignonia Family) Get link to this Profile or click for data record #579

Cape honeysuckle's blazingly beautiful flowers resemble those of its North American relative the trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans).

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.

Tecomaria capensis trimmed as a hedge just back from the beach where it survives heat, salt and windy conditions.

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.

Steve Christman 10/30/99; updated 10/26/03, 5/11/04, 3/31/08

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