Tecoma capensis

The Cape Honeysuckle is an evergreen shrub or vine that has clusters of brilliant orange and deep red trumpet-shaped flowers. They typically bloom from fall to spring. In warmer climates, they may bloom all year round. The shrub is 7-10 feet tall and wide. As a vine, it may grow up to 25-30 feet long and may bramble up to 50-100 feet. The plant requires frequent pruning to contain its size. It is a member of the Bignoniaceae or Trumpet Creeper Family which are mostly tropical. The Cape Honeysuckle has several cultivars with flower colors ranging from yellow, apricot, orange, and red.

The plant is native to Southern Africa. It has been cultivated in Europe, India, Singapore, Australia, and the islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Unfortunately, the shrub has become invasive in Australia. It is winter hardy in USDA zones 9-11. The leaves and branches will die back at temperatures of 25 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. In Africa, the bark of the shrub is used to make medicines for the treatment of bronchitis or gastroenteritis.

The origin of the genus name, Tecoma, is a contraction of the Mexican name for one of the species, "tecomaxochitl." The species name, capensis, means "of or from the cape."

The Cape Honeysuckle blooms in full sun to partial shade. It will tolerate sand and some clay. The soil should be moist and well-drained. The shrub or vine may become invasive in warm, rainy climates or if water excessively in dry climates. It is suggested that the shrub should be watered once a week in full sun and only once or twice a month in partial shade. Periodic pruning is necessary to improve stem/leaf density and to maintain size. Pruning is also necessary to remove any winter damage. The shrub may be propagated by rootball division, stem cuttings, or layering.

The leaves are odd-pinnately compound with 5 to 9 leaflets. The leaflets are ovate with dentate margins. The flowers are brightly colored, trumpet-shaped, and measure 2 inches long. The flowers are arranged in clusters or racemes. The fruits are thin, long capsules that contain many seeds that are easily dispersed by the wind.

The nectar of the flowers attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and honey bees. 

In the landscape, Cape Honeysuckle may be used as a grand scale groundcover, espalier, or large formal hedge. It may be best grown in a container if maintaining its size is a concern. If the shrub or vine becomes invasive, it is easily killed by the application of glyphosate during the summer.

Quick ID Hints:

• Odd-pinnately compound leaves with 5 to 9 leaflets
• Leaflets are green to dark green, ovate, and with dentate margins
• Showy yellow, orange, or red trumpet-shaped flowers blooming fall to spring
• Thin, elongated fruit capsules

Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems:

Cape Honeysuckle has no serious disease or insect problems. Spider mites or whiteflies may occur if the plant is maintained indoors.