Grow cape honeysuckle in full sun, in soil that drains, and water a new plant until it is established. The genus is Tecomaria.
Give it full sun, soil that drains, and water until it is established
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun, about 6 hours. Light afternoon shade is tolerated | Do not site it in deep shade that stretches the stems and cuts bloom |
| Water | Water a new plant until the roots take, then let the soil dry between waterings | Do not keep the roots in a hole that stays soggy after rain |
| Soil | Sand, loam, or clay that still drains | Do not plant it in a low wet spot |
| Winter | A mild-winter site; stems may die back near 25°F and resprout from the crown | Do not count on an evergreen hedge where winters routinely go into the teens |
Cape honeysuckle wants open sun and ground that drains after rain. Water a new plant through the first heat so the roots take, then let the soil dry between waterings. Soggy soil around the roots is the primary cause of root rot. [1] Once it is established in full sun, a weekly soak in summer keeps it growing; part shade needs less. [2] cape honeysuckle is Tecomaria capensis, a scrambling evergreen with glossy pinnate leaves and clusters of tubular flowers, usually orange-red. After the roots are down, it takes dry weeks well. [3] It also takes heat and wind, and it needs little water once it is set. [4] Plant the nursery shrub on Planting Cape Honeysuckle. Cut it to shape on Pruning Cape Honeysuckle. Start another plant from a green stem on How to Propagate Cape Honeysuckle.
Does cape honeysuckle need full sun?
Yes. Give it about 6 hours. Light afternoon shade is tolerated, but the stems stretch and the flowers thin.
- Choose full sun, about 6 hours. Light afternoon shade is tolerated, but bloom thins in deep shade.
- Set it in sand, loam, or clay that still drains. Skip a low spot that stays wet after rain.
- Water a new plant until it is established, then let the soil dry between waterings. In a long hot spell in full sun, a weekly soak helps it keep growing.
How often do I water cape honeysuckle?
Water a new plant until the roots take, then let the soil dry between waterings. In full sun in summer, a weekly soak is enough once it is set. A soggy hole still rots the roots.
Grow it in a pot that drains
Cape honeysuckle can live in a patio pot if you need to keep it smaller or roll it under cover before a freeze. Give it a drainage hole, mix that drains, and full sun outdoors. It is not a dim indoor houseplant.
- Choose a pot with a drainage hole, large enough that the stems do not topple it in wind.
- Fill it with potting mix that drains, not a closed decorative bowl.
- Keep the pot in full sun outdoors. Water when the top of the mix is dry, and empty the saucer.
- Roll it under cover before a hard freeze, then move it back out once nights are safe.
Can I grow cape honeysuckle in a pot?
Yes, in a pot with a drainage hole, mix that drains, and full sun outdoors. Bring it under cover before a hard freeze. It is not a plant for a dim indoor corner.
Not garden honeysuckle — and not trumpet vine or esperanza
Garden honeysuckle is How to Grow Honeysuckle, a Lonicera. Cape honeysuckle is Tecomaria, a scrambler with pinnate leaves and tubular flowers. If the tag says Japanese honeysuckle, it is not this plant.
Trumpet vine is How to Grow Trumpet Vine, a Campsis that clings with aerial roots. Cape honeysuckle has no tendrils; you tie it if you want it on a trellis. Esperanza is How to Grow Esperanza, a Tecoma shrub, not this Cape scrambler. Flame vine is Pyrostegia, a tendril climber that can smother a tree. Mexican honeysuckle is Justicia spicigera, a small orange shrub. Desert honeysuckle is How to Grow Flame Acanthus.
Is cape honeysuckle a true honeysuckle?
No. True honeysuckle is Lonicera. Cape honeysuckle is Tecomaria capensis. A tag that says Tecoma capensis is still this plant, not esperanza.
Keep it in full sun, in ground that drains, and water a new plant until the roots take.
FAQ
Are yellow and apricot different plants?
No. They are flower colors of the same scrambler. Sun, drain, and watering stay the same. Read the tag for the color you want, not for a different care job.
Can I plant cape honeysuckle in Florida?
Florida extension does not recommend it, because the plant can spread. Choose a different shrub there.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tecomaria-capensis/ - [2] UCCE Master Gardeners of San Luis Obispo County -
https://ucanr.edu/blog/uc-master-gardeners-diggin-it-slo/article/cape-honeysuckle - [3] University of North Florida Botanical Garden -
https://www.unf.edu/botanical-garden/plants/tecoma-capensis-syn-tecomaria-capensis.html - [4] UC Statewide IPM Program -
https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/cape-honeysuckle/
This note is part of Tecomaria Guides.
More first-season notes by plant are gathered in How to Grow Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors