Tecoma capensis

Sunset

Zones 12, 13, 20-25, 27, H1, H2

Full, Partial

Moderate

Cape Honeysuckle
Bignoniaceae
Evergreen, Shrubs, Vines

TECOMA

Varioous trumpet vines once lumped together as Tecoma now have different names. Remaining in this genus are severeal showy shrubs, one of which can be grown as a vine, another as a tree. All have 2-in.-long, trumpet-shaped flowers in the orange-yellow-red range and leaves divided featherwise into many leaflets. Heat tolerant. Take drought but look best with periodic soakings. Tip-pinch young growth to induce branching, reduce tendency toward legginess. Cut faded flowers to prolong bloom and lessen production of seedpods.

Tecoma capensis

From South Africa. If tied to a support, can scramble 15 to 30 ft.; with hard pruning, makes an upright shrub 6 to 8 ft. tall, 4 to 5 ft. wide. Shiny dark green leaflets give it a fine-textured look. Brilliant orange-red flowers in compact clusters appear from fall into spring (almost all year in Hawaii). Takes wind, salt air. Use as espalier, bank cover (especially good on hot, steep slopes), coarse barrier hedge.