About Cape Honeysuckle
A showy, fast-growing evergreen shrub or scrambling climber that produces abundant clusters of tubular, trumpet-shaped flowers in brilliant orange, red, or yellow. Despite its common name, it is not a true honeysuckle — it belongs to the same family as yellow bell (Tecoma stans) but is a distinct species with a more scrambling, vine-like growth habit and different flower shape. Cape honeysuckle is a hummingbird and sunbird magnet and makes excellent hedging or a cascading display over walls. Cape Honeysuckle belongs to the Bignoniaceae family and originates from Southern and eastern Africa (South Africa, Mozambique, Eswatini); widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions..
Cape honeysuckle is a distinct plant from the yellow bell (Tecoma stans) that Filipino gardeners already know. While yellow bell has upright growth and yellow bell-shaped flowers, cape honeysuckle has a more scrambling habit and tubular flowers in orange, red, or yellow. It is excellent for Philippine gardens — heat-loving, fast-growing, and a magnet for sunbirds. Filipino landscapers use it as flowering hedging, wall cover, or trained on fences. It thrives in Metro Manila's heat and blooms almost continuously. Available at larger nurseries, Quezon Avenue plant sellers, and online plant groups. An excellent alternative to bougainvillea for adding vibrant color to fences and walls.
Also known as: Tecoma, Orange Tecoma.
Popular Varieties
- Tecoma capensis 'Apricot' (apricot-salmon flowers)
- Tecoma capensis 'Aurea' (golden-yellow flowers)
- Tecoma capensis 'Coccinea' (deep red flowers)
- Tecoma capensis var. capensis (standard orange — most common)
How to Plant Cape Honeysuckle in the Philippines
Cape Honeysuckle can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds, air layering. The recommended method is semi-hardwood stem cuttings.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Take 15-20 cm semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems.
- Step 2: Remove lower leaves, keeping 3-4 leaves at the tip.
- Step 3: Dip in rooting hormone for faster results.
- Step 4: Plant in moist, well-draining potting mix.
- Step 5: Keep in bright indirect light and mist regularly — roots develop in 3-4 weeks.
- Step 6: Transplant to garden bed or large container once well-rooted.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade (full sun produces the most prolific flowering). Position your cape honeysuckle where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water regularly during establishment, then moderately. Fairly drought-tolerant once established. Water 2-3 times per week during dry season. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 25-35°C (thrives in Philippine tropical heat year-round; very heat-tolerant). Moderate to high — grows well in Philippine humidity The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing cape honeysuckle outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Balanced fertilizer (14-14-14) every 6-8 weeks during growing season. A bloom-boosting formula (high phosphorus) encourages more flowers.
Pruning
Prune regularly to maintain desired shape — can be trained as a hedge, espalier, or scrambling vine. Without pruning, it becomes a loose, scrambling shrub. Responds well to hard pruning.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Common Problems & Solutions
Sparse flowering
Cause: Too much shade or excess nitrogen fertilizer
Solution: Move to full sun. Switch to bloom-boosting fertilizer. Light stress (slightly dry conditions) actually encourages flowering.
Overgrown and leggy
Cause: Lack of regular pruning — cape honeysuckle grows very fast
Solution: Prune after each flowering flush. Can be hard-pruned to shape. Train on a trellis or espalier for structure.
Scale insects on stems
Cause: Common pest on woody tropical shrubs
Solution: Scrub scale off with a brush dipped in soapy water. Apply horticultural oil or neem oil.
Leaf drop during cool or dry periods
Cause: Stress response to drought or seasonal change
Solution: Water consistently. New leaves emerge quickly once conditions improve. Usually cosmetic and temporary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Cape Honeysuckle in the Philippines?
Cape Honeysuckle needs full sun to partial shade (full sun produces the most prolific flowering). Water regularly during establishment, then moderately. fairly drought-tolerant once established. water 2-3 times per week during dry season.. Feed with balanced fertilizer (14-14-14) every 6-8 weeks during growing season. a bloom-boosting formula (high phosphorus) encourages more flowers.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 25-35°C (thrives in Philippine tropical heat year-round; very heat-tolerant) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Cape Honeysuckle?
The recommended method is semi-hardwood stem cuttings. Take 15-20 cm semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems. Remove lower leaves, keeping 3-4 leaves at the tip.
Is Cape Honeysuckle toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Can Cape Honeysuckle grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Cape Honeysuckle grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Cape Honeysuckle?
Common issues include: Sparse flowering (caused by too much shade or excess nitrogen fertilizer — move to full sun. switch to bloom-boosting fertilizer. light stress (slightly dry conditions) actually encourages flowering); Overgrown and leggy (caused by lack of regular pruning — cape honeysuckle grows very fast — prune after each flowering flush. can be hard-pruned to shape. train on a trellis or espalier for structure); Scale insects on stems (caused by common pest on woody tropical shrubs — scrub scale off with a brush dipped in soapy water. apply horticultural oil or neem oil).
Growing cape honeysuckle in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!