Cape Honeysuckle

Cape Honeysuckle Care

Tecoma Capensis

What is the plant

Cape honeysuckle comes in a blazing orange color that is sure to brighten up your tropical garden. It is used as either a shrub or liana. Due to its color and sweet nectar, it attracts hummingbirds. Not only is it versatile in looks but it also is easy to maintain, which makes it a perfect idea for a splash of uniqueness in your garden.The name cape honeysuckle came about because the native region for this shrub is in South Africa by the Cape of Good Hope. It is a bit misleading as this is not true honeysuckle. Real honeysuckles belong to the Caprifoliaceae family and are found in the Lonicera genus. Other members include the desert willow, northern and southern catalpa, and jacaranda.

Invasive in Cuba, the Azores, Madeira, Australia, and New Zealand.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

min -5°C

Hardiness zone

9 - 11

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
The watering needs of the tropical Tecoma capensis vine aren’t very high. While it prefers a moderate amount of water, it is also fairly drought tolerant. Regular watering in summer, however, ensures the best growth. On average, watering deeply about once a week, when planted in full sun, and once or twice a month, when grown in shade, is enough.
Pruning
Since cape trumpet flower shrub grows at a fast rate and often scramble up the nearby plants, walls, fences or other structures, it can get an untidy appearance and the foliage needs to be trimmed.Prune the plant in late winter months to promote new growth and enhance the production of flowers. The plant can tolerate and responds well to heavy pruning.
Fertilizer
Feed the plant with a granulated, balanced (10-10-10), and slow-release fertilizer once in early spring, before the new growth emerges. Make sure to only apply a thin and even layer of the fertilizer around the base of the plant.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Red tecoma grows in full sun to partial shade. Too much shade, however, can lead to fewer blooms.
Soil
Cape honeysuckle doesn’t have specific soil requirements – it can easily grow in the garden in any soil type as long as it is well-composted and well-draining.
Temperature
It is not much winter hardy and cannot tolerate temperatures below 23° degrees Fahrenheit (-5° C).