Cape Honeysuckle
Hailing from southern parts of Africa, Cape honeysuckle has become a popular ornamental plant across the world.
Its bright, showy orange flowers and glossy green leaves provide cheer and warmth to its surroundings, while its versatility as a vine and shrub opens up many options for landscape usage.
Botanical name: Tecoma capensis
Other names: Bigonia capensis, Gelseminum capensis, Tecomaria capensis
Close up look at Cape honeysuckle flowers
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cape Honeysuckle Appearance
A large, blooming evergreen shrub that can grow to 10 feet tall and wide. If grown as a vine, it can reach over 20 feet long.
Glossy, deep green leaves are made up of small, ovate leaflets.
When in bloom, these bright, showy flowers are the most common color, deep orange, but they can also be yellow or red. They are shaped like trumpets and have five petals.
Blooms followed by long seed pods containing seeds.
Cape Honeysuckle Landscaping Tips
Very versatile plant that can be used as a hedge, shrubby bush, small tree, or vine.
Performs well in containers.
It takes pruning well. Do heavy pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
To fill in space as a hedge, plant 3 feet apart.
Cape honeysuckle attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Low maintenance. It is not prone to pests and does not require lots of fertilizer to bloom.
Grows very quickly when given sufficient water.
Cape Honeysuckle Origin
Cape honeysuckle for sale at the nursery
Native to warm regions in southern Africa.
Cape Honeysuckle Care
Soil: Loose, well-draining soil that is moderately fertile. For best blooms, fertilize during the growing season.
Temperature: Can withstand temperatures down to 20 degrees for a short period of time.
Water: Occasional, deep watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Sun: Full sun. Partial shade is ok in the Palm Springs area.
Cape Honeysuckle Problems
Pests: Common pests found on the Cape honeysuckle are spider mites.
To remove spider mites, use horticultural oil for crawlers and insecticidal soap for mites of all stages.
Whenever using any pesticide, be aware that it can damage the plant if the temperatures are in the 80s or above.
Signs of overwatering: Drooping, squishy texture
Signs of too little water: Shriveling leaves, and flowers that shed prematurely
Signs of too much sun: Burning, scarring, fading color
Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, stunted growth, few flowers
Cape Honeysuckle Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Cape honeysuckle is through cuttings. Use a sharp tool to get cuttings, and plant them in moist soil. Keep soil moist until well established.
FAQ
HOW MUCH does Cape Honeysuckle COST?
At our nursery, Cape honeysuckle costs $20 - $25 for a 5-gallon container, $75 for a 15-gallon container, and $200 for a 24” box.
Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date pricing information. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.
Is cape honeysuckle drought tolerant?
It is drought tolerant once mature. When getting established, however, it needs regular water.
Does cape honeysuckle have thorns?
No, Cape honeysuckle does not have thorns nor spines.
Summary
| SIZE (H X W) | 10 feet x 10 feet |
|---|---|
| FLOWER COLOR | Orange |
| FLOWER SEASON | Year round |
| EXPOSURE | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| WATER | Moderate |
| GROWTH RATE | Fast |
| HARDINESS | 20º F, USDA Zone 9 |
| PRUNING | As Needed |