Family: Bignoniaceae

This erect shrub, native to South Africa, is grown for its striking, brightly coloured, funnel-shaped flowers which may be orange, yellow or scarlet.

Species

Botanists have now included Tecomaria capensis, Cape honeysuckle, in the genus Tecoma (see entry under Tecoma). It is a straggling shrub to 2-6 m (6-20 ft). Clusters of tubular, orange-red to scarlet flowers appear in the summer. The deep green leaves are com­posed of a number of leaflets, serrated along the margins. There are several cultivars, including the low-growing 'Apricot', with orange blooms; 'Aurea' with yellow blooms; and 'Lutea', to 2 m (6 ft), with deep yellow blooms.

Cultivation

This species is frost-tender, so should be grown in a cool conservatory or greenhouse in frost-prone climates. Plant in a large container of soil-based potting compost, or in a soil bed. Provide maximum light. Outdoors grow in full sun or partial shade, and well drained, humus-rich soil. Prune back in early spring to control size and maintain a good shape. Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, in a warm propagating case.

Climate

Zone 10.