Combretum apiculatum

Combretum aubletii

Combretums are very impressive plants, and this one is definitely one of the brightest of them. Powder-puff flowers are multi-colored: yellow, orange, and red. When in bloom, this vining shrub is all covered with them, looks like a fire. Can be trimmed as a shrub or grows as a vine with support when you let it go.

Combretum caffrum

One of the most talked about trees due to the discovery of the combretastatin which showed promise as a possible cure for cancer.

This species is very similar to Combretum erythrophyllum.

Combretum constrictum

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Native to tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, Combretum constrictum, or Thailand Powderpuff, is a large shrub or vine creeper up to 5 to 10 feet tall, depending on its pruning level and support. It is grown in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9 to 11, but mature plants may be cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time with some protection.

Thailand Powderpuff needs full sun or part shade and regular water, as it is native to rainforest habitats. Its reddish-crimson or vinous-color flowers are clustered, attracting butterflies, hummingbirds and other nectar seekers.

It has some ethnomedical uses in Southeast Asia, and is considered a powerful energy plant, believed to dispell negative energy, promote abundance and increase joy.

When gardening in colder climates, Thailand Powderpuff is quite suitable to pot-growing, as it can be easy managed with pruning and moved indoors during the chilliest nights. For indoor growing it requires bright indirect light, sufficient water and warm temperatures. Add a layer of mulch around the roots to prevent its root-system from cooling down with the night temperatures and losing vigor.

Overall an easy to grow and maintain plant with very showy and beautiful flowers, it will add an exotic touch to any garden with its vining foliage.

Combretum erythrophyllum

It is native to Gambia, Ghana and other parts of Tropical Africa, where it is cultivated for its large, 4-winged seeds and its ethnomedical uses.

Combretum erythrophyllum is a large shrub 5-10 ft tall, growing in low-lying forests. It prefers full sun, but is tolerant of partial shade, and needs regular water to bloom. This plant produces a multitude of bright yellow-orange flowers, which are highly attractive and often used in dried flower arrangements.

This hardy shrub can be grown in USDA Zone 9-11, but might grow in hot regions with cold nights. For those in colder regions, it is best to grow this shrub in a pot, so you can more easily move it indoors when temperatures drop. To have success in colder climates, be sure the shrub is planted in a well-drained potting mix and is protected from gusts of wind and cold nights with coverings or frost cloths. Keep the soil moist, not wet, and water regularly, particularly in dry or warm regions.

Combretum erythrophyllum is a beautiful and colorful shrub that makes a great addition to any garden. The flowers are highly fragrant and attract both birds and pollinators, and the fruits that follow make great snacks for kids. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, this bush makes a wonderful ethnomedical plant and is used traditionally to treat digestive and menstrual disorders.

Combretum fruticosum

The Orange Flame Vine, Combretum fruticosum, is a large shrub or vine native to South America. It can grow up to 20 feet tall, and has a vigorous twining habit. It requires full sun for optimal growth and should be regularly watered. This vine is known for its profusion of showy red, crimson and vinous flowers, which are 4-6 inches long and slightly curved. During the spring and summer, these blooms are frequented by butterflies and hummingbirds.

This tropical vine is also known for its unique yellow and orange flowers, which appear in the late summer and autumn months. It is a fairly easy plant to care for, making it an ideal choice for beginner gardeners. In colder regions, this plant can be grown in a pot and should be brought indoors during the winter. The mature plant is cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time. It is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11.

For the best results, it is important to regularly fertilize and prune this plant. As it flowers on new growth, pruning should be done after the flowering period. During the summer months, this plant should be watered every week. In the winter months, give it less water as its growth slows considerably. Additionally, be sure to plant it in soil that is rich in organic matter and well-drained to promote healthy growth.

Combretum grandiflorum

Showy tropical vine that can reach 20 feet. Summer bloomer. The spectacular red flowers are 1" across and appear in 15" long clusters. Since the vines grow to 20 feet, they need a lot of room to grow. If the plant gets too large, it responds well to trimming to keep it at a manageable size. This is best done in late winter before new growth starts. Keep spent flowers trimmed off.

Combretum indicum, Quisqualis indica

Called Cocuisa in Dominican Republic. An extremely beautiful shrubby vine with pale-pink to deep crimson star shaped flowers that are borne in tight clusters, covering the entire plant when in full bloom. It's scent is unforgettable, sweet, fruity and intoxicating. Grows best at temperatures above 40 degrees. The fragrant flowers are born in clusters and each flower has many variations of color, depending on how old the flower is. The flower starts out white and or pink striped and turn solid pink and finally dark pink on maturity. Leaves - opposite, oblong or obovate. Flowers - short, axillary and terminal drooping racemes, white first and then rosy or scarlet, with a narrow tube. Fruit; oblong, with sharp angles, glabrous, black. Flowers and fruits during May to September. It will die back in lower temperatures but should come back in the spring. The most popular Thai hybrid has double flowers.

Combretum kraussii

This tree species occurs in evergreen forest and woodland habitats where there is high rainfall or ground water. Its range of seasonal features make this a good choice for the garden. In spring it bears white flowers and an unusual flush of white leaves, the red fruits of late summer are showy and in winter its leaves turn fiery before falling.

Certain parts from the tree are used to produce antidiuretics, lotions for eye infections, as well as antiseptics.

Combretum microphyllum, Combretum paniculatum subsp. microphyllum

This large shrub or vine tends to grow about 5-10 feet tall on an average. It originates from South Africa and is known for its beautiful red, crimson and vinous flowers. The shrub is usually grown in USDA Growing Zones 10-11. It's a fast-growing plant and requires full sun or semi-shade to thrive. It should be watered regularly and moderately, or it may die.

Combretum microphyllum is an ethnomedical plant which is commonly known as the flame creeper. This plant is known to attract birds such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Apart from its aesthetic beauty, this plant has many medicinal benefits. It is a common remedy for inflammation, ulcers, wounds, fever, constipation, and dysentery.

This plant should be grown in a pot in cold regions. It needs several hours of sunlight and regular water. The soil should be evenly moist but not soggy to avoid fungal diseases. Make sure to add ample amounts of soil conditioners to the potting mix before planting. For best results, use well-draining soil for this plant. As for fertilization, apply a balanced fertilizer to the soil during the growing season.

To maintain this plant in its best condition, trim it regularly to achieve the desired shape. Also, it's important to keep an eye out for pests and diseases as this plant is prone to them. If looking after this plant yourself seems too daunting, you can always hire a professional gardener to help you out.