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

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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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.

Combretum padoides

The Thicket Bushwillow occurs in the lowlands of tropical and south-eastern Africa. They grow in a range of habitats from muddy riverbanks to dry rocky hillsides. The mostly opposite oval leaves are carried on long slender branches. The trees or shrubs flower in profusion in mid-summer and the 4-winged fruits reach maturity from late summer to mid winter. Mature plants, though large, don't assume a true tree shape as their drooping branches are adapted to merge or intertwine with surrounding grass and shrubs for support.

Combretum sp.

Combretum is a robust, deciduous climber, sometimes a scrambling shrub or small tree. Masses of small flowers with bright red petals and long stamens form massed sprays which festoon the branches for about three weeks in spring. The oval leaves are 13-60mm long and 13-50mm wide. The fruit is 4-winged, green tinged with red or pink when young, drying to pale yellowish brown. Combretums have adapted to wind dispersal by developing a wing-like fruit structure that can carry the seed with the help of air currents or wind.

Allow it to grow up a fence or strong pergola or even to tumble down a north facing bank or grow into a large tree. Without support it will form a large rambling and spreading shrub. Grow in a protected position in a frost-prone area in light, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Water particularly well in Summer, but can withstand drought well. Prune hard if necessary to keep under control. Propagated from seed.

Species and varieties:

Combretum apiculatum

Combretum aubletii

Combretum caffrum

Combretum constrictum

Combretum engleri

Combretum erythrophyllum

Combretum fruticosum

Combretum grandiflorum

Combretum hereroense

Combretum imberbe

Combretum indicum

Combretum krausii

Combretum latifolia

Combretum microphyllum

Combretum molle

Combretum padoides

Combretum paniculatum

Combretum rotundifolium

Combretum vendae

Combretum zeyheri

Conocarpus erectus

Conocarpus erectus (Button Mangrove) is a native tree to Tropical America and it is suitable for bonsai types. It has a spreading crown and grows between 10-20 ft in height, with a diameter of 20 cm. Its evergreen leaves are oblong to lance-shaped, 2-4 inches in length and arranged alternately. The tree is also known for its ethnomedical uses where the leaves are eaten or their decoction is drunk for reducing fever. Furthermore, it is an easy plant to take care for and is relatively tolerant to seaside and salt.

This plant is hardy to USDA Zone 9-11 and prefers full sun to semi-shade. It requires moderate water and well-drained soil to keep its roots moist. If you live in cold regions, make sure to protect your plant during winter and grow it in a pot with well-draining soil. If the soil remains dry, you might consider adding some compost or other materials to improve drainage. You should also water your plant once in a while, making sure not to overwater or to make the soil stay soggy.

In addition, depending on your soil pH level, you may need to feed your plant with an appropriate fertilizer. The best feeding strategy for this plant is to apply a slow-release fertilizer which contains essential nutrients and minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. If your soil has too much salt, use a dilute solution of fertilizer instead.

So, if you are looking for an easy to take care plant, that can be used for bonsai, can tolerate salt and enhance your garden with its evergreen leaves, Conocarpus erectus (Button Mangrove) is the perfect choice.

Lumnitzera littorea

Lumnitzera littorea is found in the back mangroves, in soft, muddy substrates where tidal inundation is rare. Has ornamental potential due to its red flowers.

Quisqualis hybrid Thailand

This hybrid of quisqualis from Thailand has large clusters of double flowers. An extremely beautiful shrubby vine with pale-pink to deep crimson star shaped flowers, covering the entire plant when in full bloom. It's scent is unforgettable, fruity and intoxicating! The 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. Highly fragrant in warm humid afternoon. Very difficult to propagate.