Podranea ricasoliana, Tecoma ricasoliana
Port St. John's Creeper, Zimbabwe CreeperFamily: Bignoniaceae
Origin: Central America, Africa
Podranea ricasoliana is an evergreen or deciduous twining vine with rapid growth potential, reaching up to 20 feet (6m) in height. Its pink flowers bloom in spring and fall and appear on the vine profusely. It requires little to moderate water and needs good drainage in order to flourish.
The vine grows best in full sun and in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. However, it is able to tolerate lower temperatures below freezing in colder zones. Growers should provide additional frost protection for container-grown plants; making sure to keep them in a sheltered area and mulch them for additional insulation. Pruning back the foliage is also recommended if the plant gets leggy.
Partial shade will also suffice but if necessary, the plant should be pruned back to maintain an attractive appearance. Quality fertilizer should be administered to ensure a healthy container plant and water should be applied sparingly in winter. Also, the soil should be repotted every two years, deadheaded and kept frost-free.
The pleasing and hardy features of the Podranea ricasoliana are easy to slide it into any garden; making it an ideal choice with its drought tolerance, lack of pest and disease issues, showy foliage, colorful blooms and heavenly scent.
Similar plants:
- Podranea brycei (Zimbabwe Creeper, Queen-Of-Sheba Vine)
- Pandorea jasminoides, Bignonia jasminoides, Tecoma jasminoides (Pandora vine, Bower vine, Southern Bell)
- Tabebuia alba, Tecoma alba (Lapacho Amarillo)
- Tecoma alata, Tecoma elat, aTecoma guarume (Orange Trumpet Flower, Cahuato, Orange Bells, Yellow Bells)
- Tecoma hybrid Lydia (Tecoma Lydia, Yellow Bells, Yellow Elder)
- Tecoma sambucifolia (Trumpet Flower)
- Tecoma stans, Bignonia stans (Yellow Elder, Yellow Bells)
- Tecoma X smithii (Orange Bells)
- Tecomanthe Aurea, Tecomanthe dendrophylla flava (Yellow Tecomanthe )
- Tecomanthe dendrophila (New Guinea Creeper vine)
