Description

General aspect and origins - Tecoma capensis syn. Tecomaria capensis syn. Bignonia capensis syn. Tecomaria petersi is commonly known as the Cape honeysuckle. This erect shrub is native to South Africa. It can be trimmed as a hedge, or can be grown against a wall, where it can cover large areas if manually attached.
Leaves - Leaves are evergreen to semi-decidious in colder climates. They are opposite, slightly serrated, green to dark-green, pinnate with 5 to 9 oblong leaflets.
Flowers - Flowers are tubular, narrow, about 3 in (7.5 cm) long. They are grouped in terminal clusters that are 4-6 in (10-15 cm) long. T. capensis blooms all year long in warm climates, in summer and fall in more temperate areas.
Fruits - Fruits are inedible seedpods that can be up to 10 in (25 cm) long.

Culture

This plant is not very frost-hardy, but can be reliably grown in USDA zones 9b and warmer.
Soil - This plant needs a fertile, neutral, well-drained soil that remains moist during the warmest months.

Propagation

This plant can be propagated by seeds (in spring with bottom heat), cutting (in summer with semi-ripe wood) or air-layers in fall or in spring.