Welcome to Gardening in South Africa!

Clerodendrum thomsoniaeThere are over 400 species of clerodendrums originating largely in tropical and sub-tropical Asia and Africa; and including climbers, shrubs, herbaceous plants and trees. Many, and the bleeding heart vine in particular, are among the world's most beautiful flowers. The bleeding heart vine is a twining evergreen shrub or vine native to tropical west Africa from Cameroon west to Senegal, captivating all who see it in full bloom and adorned with masses of small, slightly flat flowers which have inflated, balloon-like white calyxes from which emerge brilliant crimson or dark red corollas with prominent stamens that extend way beyond the petals; and showing off beautifully against the large, forest-green leaves. The flowers last several months, although the red corolla is short lived. As they age, the flowers turn from white to pale pink or lavender, then eventually become tan as they dry up. The plant will bloom for most of the year given sufficient light and warmth, but is most prolific in summer.  If pollinated the flowers will produce green fruits, which ripen to red and then black; before splitting open to reveal four black seeds against a fleshy, bright orange interior.

This sprawling vine-like shrub can be trained up a trellis or trimmed into a shrub. The stems can get 3 to 5m long, climbing without tendrils, suckers or root hairs, but rather by twining through and around its support.  Although a vigorous plant it is a lightweight climber which does not climb that high and is therefore a good choice for a restricted support like a doorway arch or container trellis, and not such a good candidate to cover a large fence or arbour. Outside the tropics the bleeding heart is commonly grown in containers so it can be protected when temperatures fall below 7° C. In cold regions it is a popular indoor pot plant; thriving if placed in a warm position indoors with bright light, and fed and watered regularly in summer; it also works well in a hanging basket. To maintain humidity around the plant indoors, stand the pot on a tray of moist pebbles and mist frequently. This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

This tender tropical evergreen grows best in the warm, moist and frost free regions of the country and will twine to +-3 to 5m tall. If moisture is sufficient it can be planted in full sun but does well in semi-shade; doing very well in full morning sun and afternoon shade; try to protect the flowers from the hot midday sun. In deep shade the plant will produce brilliant foliage but fewer flowers. Plant in a position protected from strong winds and in mildly acidic to neutral, fertile but light well-drained soil. Because it is a thirsty plant, ensure that it is watered freely during dry summer spells; regular mulching will help to conserve moisture. Bleeding heart is a heavy feeder and in order to produce blooms profusely requires either a slow release fertilizer with micronutrients every couple of months, or a liquid water soluble fertiliser with micronutrients monthly throughout summer. Adequate amounts of calcium are also essential for good blooming, so ensure that your fertiliser includes calcium, or apply a calcium supplement.
 
The plant drops some leaves (not all of them) in winter; this is a normal response as the plant goes into its winter rest period. During this period, water just enough to keep the soil from drying out completely and withhold fertiliser. Because the flower buds are produced on the current season’s growth, pruning is done in late winter or early spring, before the new growth emerges. Do not be afraid to prune severely; thin out old, overcrowded shoots and any other far-reaching growth to keep the vine in bounds. Plants grown indoors in pots also require a winter rest period and should be treated as those grown outdoors, by withholding fertiliser and watering moderately; moving the vine to a cooler location away from any heat source will also encourage dormancy. After pruning, move the pot once again to a warm, brightly lit location indoors; or outdoors if temperatures have warmed sufficiently.
 
Bleeding heart vine is easy to propagate by cuttings or serpentine layering. Semi-ripe tip cuttings taken in late spring or late summer can be rooted in water or moist sand; roots should appear in about 2 weeks. Seeds can also be planted in spring; allow the seed heads to dry on the plants before collecting.

Watch for scale, mealybugs and spider mites.

Jasmine polyanthum FlowersThis vigorous twining climber is native to western and southern China and is known for its vigorous growth and ease of culture.

Chinese jasmine produces an abundance of reddish-pink flower buds and sweet smelling white flowers in late winter and early spring. It will twine itself readily up any support and is used to cover walls, fences, pergolas and trellising. Growth can be encouraged upward or allowed to cascade down in hanging baskets or pots.

Depending on the climate, this vine can be evergreen or semi-deciduous. In cold climates it will drop leaves in winter. Chinese jasmine will twine readily up a trellis, growing +-4 to 6m tall and spreading up to 4m wide. It is hardy to moderate frost but if it is planted in a sheltered part of the garden away from cold winds, it has been known to survive temperatures as low as -8°C.

Chinese jasmine and will grow in semi-shade or sun and loves a rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly while in bloom and during the growing season. Feed in late winter or early spring, with a slow-release granular fertilizer. Shape prune lightly after flowering.

This species of jasmine spreads rapidly as it can grow from any small section of stem material. The stems layer profusely and runners spread long distances. It can also be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in spring or summer.

Thunbergia alata 'Orange' Picture courtesy www.newplant.co.za Thunbergia alata is one of some 90 old world species of which there are 12 in South Africa. It is found from tropical Africa southwards through the eastern parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Swaziland to KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape; where it is commonly found growing on forest margins but can also occur in dryer, more open areas. It has become naturalized in Asia, in Cerrado vegetation of Brazil and Hawaii, and along eastern Australia and the southern USA, in the states of Texas and Florida. The Cerrado is a vast tropical savanna eco region of Brazil, including forest savanna, wooded savanna, park savanna and gramineous-woody savanna; savanna wetlands and gallery forests are also included. The cerrado climate is typical of the rather moister savanna regions of the world, with a semi-humid tropical climate; and is limited to two dominant seasons throughout the year, wet and dry.

In the warmer regions of the world the black-eyed Susan is grown for its abundance of small bright orange flowers with brownish purple centre; and it has been acknowledged in a set of South African postage stamps. Varieties with white, cream, peach, yellow and deep orange to nearly red flowers are available, making this dainty creeper suitable for almost all colour schemes. This vine flowers mainly in summer but in warmer regions may bloom all year round. The small heart-shaped green leaves are slightly hairy, and the fruit is like a bird's head with a spherical base and a long 'beak'.

Thunbergia alata 'White' Picture courtesy www.newplant.co.zaThe black-eyed Susan is not a rampant climber but grows quickly and starts blooming while still young. It is wonderful to train up a trellis or other support; in warmer regions it will seed itself in the garden and you will find it coming up in the strangest places, clamouring up any available plant for support.

It is also a good candidate for a groundcover or to trail down banks or low walls; and is popular for hanging baskets. It is wonderful in wildlife gardens because a butterfly, Junonia ovithya, or eyed pansy, as well as moths, visit these plants to lay their eggs. These insects will in turn attract birds to the garden; small birds will also often nest in the thickly tangled stems. Blue, together with orange or yellow look stunning together, so try mixing it with the little blue daisy (Felicia amelloides), and blue Agapanthus. White agapanthus will also make a great contrast plant, as does other white or blue flowering shrubs. They look beautiful near shorter purple flowers, like salvia and veronica, too. On the flip side, you can play up their flair with hotter colours, like brilliant red zinnias or canna, for a more tropical look.

This soft perennial climber grows best in warm, moist coastal or frost-free areas, where it is mostly evergreen. In tropical climates it can reach a height of over 2m, but in colder climates, where it is usually grown as an annual, it will remain much smaller, +-1.5m tall with a 1m spread. In these regions it may be cut right back by frost, but if planted in a protected part of the garden and mulched, it should re-sprout in summer. The black-eyed Susan will grow in full sun or semi-shade; in hot climates semi-shade is best. Although it is not fussy about soil, it does best in good fertile soil which drains well. Plant it with a dressing of bone meal and mulch the roots regularly; water moderately during dry spells and feed occasionally with 3:1:5 or 2:3:2. Trim as required to encourage more flowering shoots.

Thunbergia alata 'Yellow' Picture courtesy www.newplant.co.zaThunbergia alata is not prone to many problems, particularly if the vines are kept healthy and have enough sun, water and air circulation. Red spider and whitefly can become a problem, especially during hot, dry spells; and in small enclosed gardens.

Container grown plants are fairly easy to find, but Black-eyed Susan seeds germinate easily in moist humus-rich soil, mixed with river sand. Start seed indoors, about 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date, or sow directly outdoors after all danger of frost is over. Soak the large, hard seeds in water for a day or two before planting. These vines don't like having their roots disturbed and it helps if you start the seed in peat or paper pots. Plant them about 1cm deep; germination should take and expect them to germinate within 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the temperature. Seeds germinate easily in moist humus-rich soil, mixed with river sand. To collect seeds, allow them to dry on the plants before harvesting.

Vigna caracalla

You are unlikely to find this beautiful vine at a nursery, but may be lucky enough to have a friend who has one and can give you seeds. I have included it here for identification purposes as many old gardens still have it growing. Occasionally you can find seeds for sale on JunkMail, bidorbuy and other similar sites, as well as from speciality seed suppliers online. Petal Fair nursery list this plant  but it is often out of stock:  https://www.petalfaire.co.za

Condensed Version:

This fast growing fragrant vine is well worth trying to source for your garden, and will have your friends and family gasping with delight when they see it in full bloom. It can be difficult to obtain in South Africa, but seeds can be bought online, or if you’re lucky enough to have a friend with one, you could collect seed in autumn to sow next spring.

A great profusion of fragrant and unusually twisted flowers appear in midsummer and continue to autumn. The creamy-white blooms are beautifully shaded with primrose, shell-pink, lavender and golden tones; and in tropical regions this vigorous vine can climb 1 to 2 stories high in a single summer; with the blooms arising in 30cm long bunches, and dangling enticingly from anything they are allowed to scramble over. This evergreen vine thrives in high heat and humidity, and loves to grow in full sun (at least 6 hours a day).  It is tender to all but light frost and in cold regions will die down completely in winter; if the roots are thickly mulched it will often shoot again in spring; it can also be overwintered in pots. It is important to keep the soil moist but not sodden until the plant becomes established; thereafter allowing it to dry out slightly between watering. 

Full Version:

Description, History & Interesting Facts:

Vigna are members of the pea family and widespread in tropical regions of the world. There are about 160 species; 20 of which are native to southern Africa. The strange and lovely snailflower (Vigna caracalla) originates in tropical South America and Central America. Snailflowers are named for their blooms which resemble beautiful curled snail like shells.  A great profusion of these marvellously fragrant and unusually twisted flowers appear in midsummer and continue to autumn. The creamy-white blooms are beautifully shaded with primrose, shell-pink, lavender and golden tones; and in tropical regions this vigorous vine can climb 1 to 2 stories high in a single summer; with the blooms arising in 30cm long bunches, and dangling enticingly from anything they are allowed to scramble over.  The flowers are pollinated by ants attracted to the nectar and then produce long, slender, green bean pods which turn a golden brown when ripe. The attractive bright green foliage is evergreen in mild climates, with a soft, downy texture.

In 1792 Thomas Jefferson wrote about the Caracalla Bean saying "The most beautiful bean in the world is the caracalla bean which, though in England a green-house plant, will grow in the open air in Virginia and Carolina." Whether Jefferson ever received seeds or plants of this vine is not known, but the plant was already growing in gardens by the 1830’s, and documented in The American Flower Garden Directory. It was introduced into Europe in the eighteenth century.

In the Garden:

This fast growing fragrant vine is well worth trying to source for your garden, and will have your friends and family gasping with delight when they see it in full bloom. It can be difficult to obtain in South Africa, but seeds can be bought online, or, if you’re lucky enough to have a friend with one, you could collect seed in autumn to sow next spring.

It is magnificent twining up a tall pillar, arbor, archway, trellis, fence, or any other support; but be sure you position it close to a patio, entrance or window, where its heady fragrance can be enjoyed. Needless to say, it is essential in all romantic and perfumed gardens. In cold regions it would be wise to plant it in a large pot which can be moved to a protected position in winter; it even thrives in a large hanging basket. Allow it to twine up a trellis in the annual border behind cleome and cosmos; or pair it up with bold blooms like zinnias, marigolds, or petunias for a beautiful summer show.

Cultivation:

This vigorous evergreen perennial vine thrives in high heat and humidity, twining itself around any support it can find; and in ideal conditions will quickly reach 6m or more. It loves to grow in full sun (at least 6 hours a day).  It is tender to all but very light frost and in cold regions will die down completely in winter; if the roots are thickly mulched it will often shoot again in spring. In these regions it is often treated as a summer annual or planted in containers which can be overwintered indoors. Plant in deep, rich but well drained soil and it is important to keep the soil moist but not sodden until the plant becomes established; thereafter allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering.  Placing a thick layer of organic mulch around the plant will help the soil to retain moisture as well as control weed growth.

Propagation:

The seeds, which are technically beans are nice and large and can easily be sown directly into garden beds in spring when the soil is nice and warm; and in cold regions once all danger of frost is over.  Pour boiling water over the seeds and let them soak overnight before sowing. It is more convenient to sow them individually into small pots, rather than seedling trays; thereby avoiding having to transplant them. To avoid root disturbance, plant the small vines into the garden or their permanent pots while they are still quite young. As your vine grows, keep it well watered and fertilise ever 4 weeks. You may notice that the plant grows very slowly until early to midsummer, before suddenly ‘taking off’ when the hottest weather arrives.

Pests & Diseases:

The snail vine is not troubled by any serious pests or diseases.

Pyrostegia venustaThe golden shower is an evergreen tropical plant which is native to southern Brazil, northern Argentina and Paraguay. It is a member of the Bignonia family (Bignoniaceae). In Brazil, the leaves of Pyrostegia venusta are used in traditional medicine as a tonic and for treating diarrhoea.

This showy climber is grown for its sensational clusters of tubular orange flowers and its luxuriant shiny green leaves. Flowering times vary from region to region in South Africa, and flowers can appear anytime during the short days of autumn and winter, or even in late winter and early spring. The flowers are followed by slender dry seed capsules.

It is also commonly cultivated throughout the tropics, subtropics, as well as in mild Mediterranean climates and other frost-free regions of the world. In tropical and subtropical regions it is a vigorous, evergreen woody vine that branches profusely and can climb quickly by clinging with its tendrils, right to the top of a two story building, or the top of tall trees; in these regions it may be wise to contain the roots in pots, planter boxes or with a root barrier material; in colder regions it is much less rampant and may be semi-evergreen.
 
The golden shower looks at its best when draped over a structure like a carport, pergola or wall, or twining between fences; anywhere where its drooping bunches of flowers can be seen to full effect. It is also useful to cover necessary but unsightly garden features like water tanks and old garden sheds. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds like the Greater double-collared sunbird.The golden shower grows best in the warmly temperate to sub-tropical, moist, frost-free regions of the country and thrives at the coast. It is semi-hardy to frost, and if it is planted in a very warm protected position in the garden, beautiful specimens can be grown in Johannesburg. The golden shower flowers best in full sun but will tolerate semi-shade. It is not very drought tolerant and requires moderate watering throughout the year; especially in hot, dry regions. It prefers compost enriched, well-drained soil, and tolerates acidic to alkaline soils, but is intolerant of saline soils.

Heavy pruning after it has finished flowering, or frequent light pruning is needed to restrain it and to encourage branching, as well as to stimulate flowering; the brilliant flower display makes this extra work well worth the effort. Feed in early summer with a balanced organic fertiliser like 3:1:5. The golden shower spreads vigorously by suckering and you may want to contain the roots, seeds are also dispersed by wind.

The golden shower is relatively pest and disease free but can be attacked by scales, caterpillars and mites.

Pyrostegi venusta Propagate from suckers or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer.

Warning: Although a dazzling spectacle when in full flower; in some parts of the world, such as Queensland, Australia, and south-eastern USA and on some Pacific islands, it has become naturalised and is considered a weed, smothering native vegetation. There is a risk that it could become invasive in other countries where it has been introduced.

Pandorea jasminoides 'Rosea'This bushy, twining vine with woody stems belongs to the Bignoniaceae family; a small genus of only 6 species, which occur in Australia and Indonesia. 3 Species are native to the coastal rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests of north-eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland, Australia.

Gardeners love this beautiful climber for its glossy leaves and large fragrant, pink, magenta or white flowers, that are clustered in hanging panicles. Flowering occurs sporadically in warm weather over a long period between spring and late summer. The flowers are followed by large elliptical fruits which split open to reveal elongated, winged seeds.

There are several named cultivars in cultivation:

(Pandorea jasminoides 'Alba')  has white flowers.

(Pandorea jasminoides 'Charisma') has variegated leaves (yellow and green).

(Pandorea jasminoides 'Lady Di') has white flowers with yellow to orange centers.

(Pandorea jasminoides 'Rosea') has pale pink flowers with deeper centers.

(Pandorea jasminoides 'Rosea Superba') flowers are slightly larger than those of 'Rosea

(Pandorea jasminoides 'Variegata' - syn. 'Charisma') has variegated leaves.

Pandorea jasminoides 'Lady Di'Because of it rapid growth the bower of eauty is a perfect vine for covering arbours, trellises, summer houses and other structures. It also looks great growing up a tree, with the flowers cascading down the trunk. Pandorea grows extremely well in pots, making a lovely portable screen that can be moved around as needed.

The bower of beauty vine grows best in frost-free tropical to temperate regions, where it is evergreen. It will grow throughout the country if it can be protected from severe frost and is watered regularly in summer. It is hardy to temperatures as low as -2°C to -3°C for short Pandorea jasminoides 'Variegata' Picture courtesy Green Acres Nursery Californiaperiods, but in cold regions it will drop its leaves in winter. In severe frost regions the plant will be cut back right to the ground in winter, but if the roots are well mulched it will shoot again in spring.

Pandorea thrives in full sun but will grow in semi-shade; and can be planted in any fertile, well-drained soil. It grows quickly to +-4 to 5m tall and +-3m wide. Although it likes to be watered regularly it will tolerated extended dry periods. As the plant ages, the previous year's growth is gradually abandoned, and the plants will look better if the dead branches are removed. Water only sparingly in winter. This plant is susceptible to nematodes, especially in light sandy soils.

Pandorea is easily propagated by layering and will set roots anywhere the vine touches the soil. It also grows from semi-hardwood cuttings and seed.

Jasminum sambacThere are over 300 Jasminum species occurring mainly in the tropical and warm temperate regions of the world, including South Africa. Jasminum sambac belongs to the olive family (Oleaceae) and has been in cultivation for centuries - so long in fact, that its origin has been forgotten; but early Chinese records of the plant points to its origins as eastern South Asia and Southeast Asia. Despite the common name of Arabian jasmine it is not originally native to Arabia, but was spread into Arabia and Persia by man, where it was widely cultivated in gardens; from there it was introduced to Europe.

Arabian jasmine is one of the three national flowers in Indonesia, the other two being the moon orchid and the giant padma. It has long been considered a sacred flower in Indonesian tradition, as it symbolizes purity, sacredness, simplicity, sincerity and modesty.  In Cambodia people thread the flower buds onto a wooden needle to be presented to the Buddha. In China the flower is used as the main ingredient in jasmine tea. In Hawaii the flowers are used to make fragrant leis; and in India and Bangladesh it is used to make thick garlands to use as hair adornments. The oil that is extracted from the blossoms forms a base for some of the world's most popular fragrances.
 
Arabian jasmine is widely cultivated for its clusters of white, sweetly fragrant flowers that fade to purple, and its glossy dark green leaves. In tropical and subtropical gardens it flowers almost continuously all year round; opening at night and closing again in the morning. The flowers are followed by purple to black berries, but are seldom formed in cultivation.

It is a woody evergreen shrub or vine which can be pruned into a loose shrub or trained to grow up a trellis.  It is widely cultivated in gardens throughout the tropics from the Arabian Peninsula to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands; where the plant twines over or through any support it can find. Arabian jasmine is a perfect container plant for the patio or close to the house, where its fragrance can be appreciated at night. In many parts of the world it is grown as an indoor pot plant.

Arabian Jasmine grows best in the frost-free regions of the country; thriving in warm, moist, and humid regions. It is a good coastal plant if it can be protected from strong winds.  It will tolerate light frost but must be planted in a protected part of the garden; cover and thickly mulch the roots in winter. In cold regions the plants can be grown in containers and brought indoors through winter. It thrives in full sun but can be planted in semi-shade.

Arabian jasmine grows in most well-drained soils but loves soils rich in organic matter, so add lots of compost, leaf mould or peat moss to the planting hole. Try to keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season, without allowing it to become soggy; reduce watering in winter. Feed in summer with organic 3:1:5 fertilisers. Since the flowers are produced on new wood, it is essential to prune lightly after flowering to ensure an abundance of flowers; this will also keep the plants neat.
 
If it is allowed to climb up a trellis in tropical and subtropical regions it can quickly reach +-2 to 3m tall, with an equal spread. In colder regions it will remain smaller, especially if it has to re-grow from roots following a winter freeze. This will set the plant back and it will only flower much later in summer.

Arabian jasmine is easy to propagate from semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer, or ripe wood in autumn, or by layers. It will root quickly if you can keep them under intermittent mist for a couple weeks.

Gelsemium Flowers

Condensed version:

This tropical evergreen creeper is admired for its abundant clusters of small, sweetly-scented, canary-yellow flowers in late winter and spring, and because it is also hardy to frost inland, it heralds spring and brightens up even the dreariest of winter gardens.

The twining stems are superb for covering trelliswork, fences, arbours, pergolas, and other structures that require a light and airy creeper. It's so easy going you can even grow it in a large container.      

Carolina jasmine grows best in temperate regions that receive good rainfall, but established plants can tolerate temperatures down to about -10°C. In the warmer regions of South Africa it is evergreen, but in the very cold parts it becomes semi-evergreen.

Because it can only tolerate short periods of drought, this vine is not suited to very hot and dry regions. It is moderately salt tolerant and does well in coastal gardens if planted slightly inland. Although Carolina jasmine is tolerant of wind, it will look at its best if planted in the garden where it is protected from strong summer or winter winds. In tropical climates it can creep up to 6m tall with an equal spread, but in other gardens it usually grows about 3 to 4m.

Carolina jasmine loves full sun but can be planted in light shade. It is pH adaptable and thrives in well-drained, moisture retentive soils which are moderately fertile. Avoid excessively rich soils as this will encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of the flowers. 

Mulch the roots regularly and only fertilise 2 to 3 times during the summer growing season because overfeeding will decrease the amount of flowers produced. Water regularly until your plant is established, and moderately thereafter during dry spells. Pruning can be done when the plant has finished flowering, or as required throughout the year.

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Description, History & Interesting Facts:

Carolina Jasmine, Valsjasmyn (Gelsemium sempervirens) This tropical evergreen creeper is admired for its abundant clusters of small, sweetly-scented, canary-yellow flowers in late winter and spring, and because it is also hardy to frost inland, it heralds spring and brightens up even the dreariest of winter gardens. Together with other spring flowering shrubs and bulbs, as well as the wide variety of annuals available to South Africans, your late winter and spring garden need never be dull again.

This quick-growing climbing vine is native to the warm temperate, subtropical and tropical coastal areas of the Americas: Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Mexico (Chiapas, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Puebla, Hidalgo,) and the south-eastern and south-central United States (from Texas to Virginia;) and in 1924 it was named the official flower of South Carolina.

The small and slender evergreen leaves are a lustrous dark green, developing a slight yellow or purple cast in winter, and the vine quickly twines 3 to 6m. In subtropical and tropical regions it is more vigorous than in colder, frosty regions.  Its scented flowers produce nectar that attracts a range of pollinators; and the fruit is a long capsule. 

Uses:

The root and underground stem of Gelsemium sempervirens is used as an ingredient in some analgesic and homeopathic products, but its use has been limited due to its toxicity. Gelsemium is used as a painkiller for migraine headaches and for face pain (trigeminal neuralgia) caused by certain facial nerves. It is also used for asthma and other breathing problems.

In the Garden:

The twining stems of Carolina jasmine are superb for covering trelliswork, fences, arbours, pergolas, and other structures that require a light and airy creeper. The new growth will twine with abandon around a trellis or fence, but it's surprisingly tame and easily controlled.

If left to its own devices Carolina jasmine will climb up trees, scramble over fences and structures, or develop a mound of tangled stems. It makes a good informal ground cover to stabilise slopes or banks, where it can sprawl and naturalise.

 In fact, it's is so easy going you can even grow it in a large container as long as you provide support with a trellis or lattice.

Cultivation/Propagation:                   

Carolina jasmine grows best in temperate regions that receive good rainfall, but established plants can tolerate temperatures down to about -10°C. In cold regions this climber will do best if it is planted in a protected position in the garden, where it is isolated from fierce winter winds. In the warmer regions of South Africa it is evergreen, but in the very cold parts it becomes semi-evergreen.

Because Carolina jasmine can only tolerate short periods of drought, this vine is not suited to very hot and dry regions. It is moderately salt tolerant and does well in coastal gardens if planted slightly inland.  Although Carolina jasmine is tolerant of wind, it will look at its best if planted in the garden where it is protected from strong summer or winter winds.

In tropical climates it can creep up to 6m tall with an equal spread, but in other gardens it usually grows about 3 to 4m. If grown on a trellis or fence you will need to encourage the plant initially by manually twining it around its support.

Carolina jasmine loves full sun but can be planted in light shade. It is pH adaptable and thrives in well-drained, moisture retentive soils which are moderately fertile. Avoid excessively rich soils as this will encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of the flowers. It succeeds in many soil types, including: sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam and clay.

Mulch the roots regularly and only fertilise 2 to 3 times during the summer growing season because overfeeding will decrease the amount of flowers produced.  A good all-purpose food for flowering plants or a rose fertiliser will suffice. Water regularly until your plant is established, and moderately thereafter during dry spells. 

Pruning can be done when the plant has finished flowering in spring or early summer, or as required throughout the year.

Propagation is by seeds, layering, or by hardwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer.  

Problems, Pests & Diseases:

This climber is quite adaptable and tenacious, with no serious disease or insect problems.

Warning:

When pruning this plant, take care as the sap may cause skin irritation (dermatitis) in sensitive individuals. All parts of the plant are toxic, containing an alkaloid related to strychnine but accidental poisoning is rare because of the plants bitterness; any ingestion is potentially deadly.

'Mrs Rivers'Condensed Version:

The Mexican blood trumpet is native to the moist regions of Mexico, producing long, luminous, coral-red flowers with yellowish throats, which contrast beautifully against the large green leaves. Flowering is continuous during the warmer months. “Mrs Rivers” is a unique garden hybrid which also flowers abundantly and is the centre of attention when in bloom, with its intense mauve-pink flowers with yellow at the base. The Mexican blood trumpet and Mrs Rivers are valued ornamentals for the garden, and are not confined only to tropical looking gardens, blending just as beautifully in country cottage homes, or with modern architecture. Because of the intense colour of the flowers of these exquisite vines and their long blooming period, they deserve to be grown up close to outdoor living areas. Allow them to spread over a garden arch, pergola or balcony, or let them cascade down sunny walls and fences.

Both these fast growing evergreen vines adapt easily in many climatic regions of South Africa, but thrive in the moist, frost-free, summer rainfall regions of the country. They are not, however, very well-suited to extremely hot, dry, or very cold inland areas; and although they grow well in the subtropical summer rainfall regions, they do not do so well in maritime conditions close to the coast. These vines will also grow in the winter rainfall regions if they can be watered regularly in summer. Despite being tropical in origin, these climbers tolerate light to moderate frost. Try to site them where they are sheltered from strong winds which will destroy the beautiful flowers. Generally they grow +-6 to 10m tall in the garden, with an equal spread; but in colder regions they are much less vigorous. These vines will adapt to most garden soils, but prefer a moist, fertile, well-drained soil. They love full sun but will tolerate a bit of shade. If the vines are well mulched and established, they are reasonably drought tolerant, requiring only moderate watering during very hot and dry spells. Apply a balanced organic fertiliser every 6 weeks in spring and summer. They are easy to train and prune, but remember that they are vigorous plants with vigorous roots systems, requiring strong supports to grow up. The plants produce forked tendrils that help them to clamber up trellises, fences, trees and walls, but initially you will need to train them to climb up.

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Description, History & Interesting Facts:

This small genus (family) of evergreen flowering vines comes from the tropical regions of the West Indies and the Americas. The Mexican blood trumpet is native to the moist regions of Mexico, growing in open forest and scrub to a height of 15m or more. The long, luminous, coral-red flowers with yellowish throats contrast beautifully against the large green leaves, and are produced on 20 to 25cm long racemes. Flowering is continuous during warmer months. The Mexican blood trumpet has undergone a number of name changes, and for a very long time was known as Bignonia cherere; later as Phaedranthus buccinatorius and then as Distictis buccinatoria. The current classification name, according to The Plant List, the collaborative authoritative listing by Kew Botanic Garden and Missouri Botanic Garden, is Amphilophium buccinatorium. If all of this re-classification info leaves your head spinning – stick to calling it by its common name “Mexican blood trumpet”. “Mrs Rivers” is a unique garden hybrid of two closely related vines of Mexico and tropical Central America. It also flowers abundantly during the warm months and is the centre of attention when in bloom, with its intense mauve-pink flowers with yellow at the base.

These climbers are classified as lianas, which are long-stemmed, woody vines that are rooted in the soil, but which use trees and other vegetation as a means of vertical support in order to climb up to the well-lit areas of the canopy, where they bloom profusely in the sun and are a magnet for hummingbirds in their natural environment.

In the Garden:

The Mexican blood trumpet and Mrs Rivers are valued ornamentals for the garden, producing lush green foliage which is a perfect backdrop for the spectacular displays of flowers which bloom continuously during warm weather. Romantic tropical hideaways are defined by one plant - the trumpet vine - and what clematis is to England, the trumpet vine is to America. In warm regions the vines grows exceptionally fast and will cover 10m of fence or trellis in a single year with a curtain of luxurious foliage and flowers. The versatility of these vines is not, however, confined only to tropical looking gardens and they blend just as beautifully in country cottage homes, or with modern architecture. Because of their long blooming period, they deserve to be grown up close to outdoor living areas. Allow them to spread over a garden arch, pergola or balcony to provide welcome shade, or let them cascade down sunny walls and fences. They are also great to cover a carport or to hide an ugly building or shed, and in tropical gardens they are often seen climbing high up into trees and shrubs.

Mexican Blood Trumpet. Picture courtesy MalanseunsCultivation:

Both these fast growing evergreens adapt easily in many climatic regions of South Africa, but thrive in the moist, frost-free, summer rainfall regions of the country. They are not, however, very well-suited to extremely hot, dry, or very cold inland areas; and although they grow well in the subtropical summer rainfall regions, they do not do so well in maritime conditions close to the coast. These vines will also grow in the winter rainfall regions if they can be watered regularly in summer. Despite being tropical in origin, these climbers tolerate light to moderate frost, and temperatures as low as -3 degrees for short spells. In colder regions, plant them in large pots, or select a very sheltered position in the garden, like against a warm sunny wall, and mulch the roots well in winter. Smaller plants can be covered in winter until established. Established plants will generally regenerate from the roots after a big freeze cuts them right down to the ground. Try to site these climbers where they are sheltered from strong winds which will destroy the beautiful flowers.

In warm regions these vigorous vines grow quickly, and if left un-checked can climb up very high, but this is not advised, especially in smaller gardens. Generally they will grow +-6 to 10m tall in the garden, with an equal spread; but in colder regions they are much less vigorous. They prefer a moist, fertile, well-drained soil, but will adapt to most well-drained garden soils, from sandy loam to clay loam. Add generous amounts of compost and a good dressing of bone meal to the planting hole. They love full sun but will tolerate a bit of shade. If the vines are well mulched and watered regularly until they are established, they are reasonably drought tolerant, requiring only moderate watering during very hot and dry spells. Apply a balanced organic fertiliser every 6 weeks in spring and summer.

They are easy to train and prune, but remember that they are vigorous plants with vigorous roots systems, requiring strong supports to grow up. The plants produce forked tendrils that help them to clamber up trellises, fences, trees and walls, but initially you will need to train them to climb up. Light or severe pruning can be carried out anytime in spring or summer once the vines have finished blooming; this will encourage repeat flowering and keep the plant in check.

Propagation:
 
Propagation is from seed, air layering, or from semi-hardwood cuttings under mist.

Pests & Diseases:

If grown correctly, these climbers are relatively trouble free but can be affected by a few pests and diseases such as powdery mildew, aphids, mealybug and scale insects.