Tecomanthe Aurea (Yellow Tecomanthe )

Tecomanthe dendrophila, commonly known as New Guinea trumpet vine, is a vigorous evergreen woody climber in the Bignoniaceae family, native to New Guinea and nearby islands. In tropical forests it climbs high into trees, using surrounding vegetation for support. The glossy green foliage is pinnately compound, creating a dense tropical covering. Its most spectacular feature is the large, dense clusters of tubular to trumpet-shaped flowers produced on older woody stems and branches. The long flower tubes are vivid deep pink to magenta on the outside, while the flared lobes and inner surface are much paler, ranging from soft pink to creamy white, often with darker pink lines inside the throat. The strong contrast between the richly colored outer tubes and pale, bell-like flower openings makes the clusters especially striking. Established vines can become very large and require a substantial support.

Tecomanthe dendrophila grows best in warm, humid conditions in full sun to partial shade and fertile, organic-rich, well-drained soil. Regular moisture encourages vigorous growth, but established plants should not remain waterlogged. It can be trained over a large pergola, arbor, fence, or mature tree, and pruning helps keep its vigorous growth manageable. Flowering is best on mature plants, so excessive pruning of older stems may reduce the display. This tropical climber is frost sensitive and is best suited outdoors to USDA Zones 10b-11.