Cape honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis)

Also known as: Cape Honeysuckle

African Boxthorn (*Lycium ferocissimum*) is a flowering plant indigenous to South Africa. Despite its popularity for use in garden hedgerows, it is not related to the boxwood. African Boxthorn has become an invasive species in several areas around the world, including parts of Australia and New Zealand.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Cape honeysuckle

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Vine

Plant Height

2 m to 3 m

Spread

2 m to 3 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Color

Orange Red Yellow

Images of Cape honeysuckle

Quickly Identify Cape honeysuckle

Trumpet-shaped flowers in vibrant red, orange, yellow, or salmon shades.

Odd-pinnately compound leaves with 5-9 ovate, serrated, dark green leaflets.

Fruit capsules 3-7 inches (7.6-17.8 cm) long, light brown, with winged seeds.

Gray, flexible stems without thorns, growing up to 30 feet (9.1 meters).

Leaves glossy, glabrous, dentate, evergreen, smooth, and shiny, creating a lush appearance.

Scientific Classification of Cape honeysuckle

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Lamiales

Family

Bignonia

Genus

Trumpetbushes

Species

Cape honeysuckle

Planting and Growing of Cape honeysuckle

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Cape honeysuckle?

Tecoma capensis should be watered deeply until the soil is thoroughly moist but not waterlogged. The key is to ensure even distribution of water so that all parts of the root system are nourished, which typically requires around 1000 ml of water per session.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Cape honeysuckle? ›

What should I do if my Cape honeysuckle is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Cape honeysuckle? ›

How to save an overwatered Cape honeysuckle? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Cape honeysuckle?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Tecoma capensis ideally thrives within a light range of full to partial sun. Proper sunlight facilitates healthy growth, abundant flowering, and robust foliage, keeping the plant aesthetically pleasing and biologically sound.

Preferred Sunlight Exposure ›

Creating Ideal Lighting Conditions ›

Benefits of Optimal Light ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Cape honeysuckle?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

For optimum growth, Tecoma capensis thrives in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F. This temperature range supports active metabolism and prevents temperature-induced stress, promoting vibrant blooms and healthy foliage. Ensuring stable temperatures within this range can help minimize pest infestations and fungal infections.

What Soil is Best for Cape honeysuckle?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Tecoma capensis thrives in soil that drains well, preventing the roots from sitting in water. This type of soil helps avoid root rot, a common problem in overly-saturated environments. A fertile soil enhanced with organic matter supports lush growth and flowering. Using compost or well-rotted manure enriches the nutrient profile, ensuring the plant receives ample nourishment. Maintaining a soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5 ensures essential nutrients are available to the plant. Too acidic or alkaline conditions can lock away crucial nutrients, hindering growth. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Cape honeysuckle?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Tecoma capensis benefits from a moderate application of fertilizer. For liquid fertilizers, use a balanced 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 fertilizer. Mix it at half the recommended strength to avoid any potential root burn. For slow-release fertilizers, apply them around 1 ounce per square foot of soil. Be sure to follow package instructions for precise amounts as they vary between products. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Cape honeysuckle?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Start by identifying the main structure of the Tecoma capensis. Use sharp, clean shears and begin by cutting back any dead or diseased branches. Trim back leggy stems to maintain a bushy appearance, ensuring you make cuts just above a leaf node to stimulate new growth. Consider the natural growth habit of Tecoma capensis, which tends to spread. To shape it, remove crossing branches that can cause damage and reduce air circulation. Aim to maintain an open center to allow light to penetrate and enhance overall plant vigor. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Cape honeysuckle plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer, Late summer

Choose a cutting that is approximately 10-15 cm long and has several nodes. Make sure it’s a healthy stem with no signs of disease or pest activity.

After applying rooting hormone, insert the cutting into a potting mix consisting of peat and sand. Ensure that at least two nodes are buried to encourage root development.

Water the planted cutting lightly and place it in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Consistent but moderate watering is needed, taking care not to overwater as this can cause rot.

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How to Repot Cape honeysuckle plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Keep an eye on Tecoma capensis for signs it needs repotting, such as roots emerging from pot drainage holes, slowed growth, or water pooling at the soil surface. These indicate the plant's roots require more space.

Select a pot with drainage holes that's 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. This provides ample room for root growth, ensuring balanced hydration and better plant health. Material-wise, clay pots are ideal as they offer breathability.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix, like a blend of peat, perlite, and sand. This mixture promotes proper aeration and moisture control, preventing root rot and supporting healthy growth.

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Toxicity of Cape honeysuckle

Is Cape honeysuckle toxic to cat?

Cape honeysuckle presents a mild risk of toxicity to cats. Every component of the plant is deemed toxic, and the potential danger is heightened when these parts are consumed in excessive quantities. While the precise toxic compounds are not specified, pet owners should remain cautious, as ingestion can result in general signs of discomfort or illness in cats. It is vital for cat owners to oversee their animals and restrict their access to cape honeysuckle. If there's a suspicion that a cat has ingested cape honeysuckle, seeking prompt veterinary assistance is essential to safeguard their health and wellbeing.

Is Cape honeysuckle toxic to dog?

Cape honeysuckle is recognized as mildly toxic to dogs. If dogs eat this plant in excessive quantities, they can experience poisoning. All components of cape honeysuckle are deemed toxic and may threaten canine well-being. Should a dog consume a substantial amount of the plant, it could show signs such as gastrointestinal distress or other mild poisoning indicators. It is vital for dog owners to supervise their pets and keep them away from cape honeysuckle. If a dog happens to ingest this plant, seeking immediate care at a veterinary clinic is essential to address any possible poisoning.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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