HoneySuckle- All You
Need To Know
Cape Honey Suckle
Expect a lively concert from the garden wildlife if, perchance, you end up alongside a Tecoma Capensis, or Cape Honeysuckle hedge in full bloom one still autumn morning. The cast is composed of those who come to feast on the nectar, and some who come to feast on them.
The honey bees, the butterflies and the sunbirds busily perform their acrobatic stunts to get at the sweet nectar, while the insectivorous birds noisily chase the winged insects. It is never silent or boring next to a Tecoma Capensis hedge
Even the neatest gardener, with hedge trimmer ready, will find it hard to prune this indigenous plant too severely as that means removing the lovely flowers too. In gardens where Tecoma Capensis serves as a hedge or screen along a boundary, we often see neatly trimmed, dense green sides holding up an untrimmed top bursting with bright flowers. Perhaps the gardener leaves the top undisturbed out of the goodness of his heart, but perhaps he just can’t reach it – the Cape honeysuckle can grow 2 to 3 m tall!
Fun Fact:
The element ‘Fire’ in cape honeysuckle symbolizes transformation. It represents change and adaptability, inspiring one to embrace changes and seek continuous personal growth.
Where to plant Cape Honeysuckle
To give plants the best start, plant in the spring or the early fall. Choose a location that will allow the branches and roots to grow naturally. Plants should be placed far enough away from walls, decks, and building foundations to avoid crowding the structure with growing foliage. Consider whether any trees or shrubs nearby could interfere with electrical lines, the roof, or block windows.
To prepare the planting site, dig a hole three times the size and depth of the root ball. After you’ve removed the soil, mix it with some compost or peat moss. New roots can easily spread by improving the soil and aerating the existing soil. To loosen the plant before removing it from the container, gently support its base while tipping it sideways and touching the pot’s exterior. Rotate the container and keep tapping to release the soil until the plant easily emerges from the pot.
Place the plant in the hole. If the root ball is covered in burlap, the burlap cloth, as well as any strings or wire holding it in place, must now be removed. Gently rake apart densely packed roots with your fingers. Soil should be neatly stacked around the root ball in the planting area.
Potting and Repotting Cape Honeysuckle
Cape honeysuckle makes a great container plant if you live in an area with the tropical weather they crave. Plant them in pots with good-sized drainage holes and filled with standard potting mix.
Increase the container size by two inches each time you repot—whenever roots are evident growing out the drainage holes. Bring potted plants indoors in colder months to protect them for the next season.
Basic care of Cape Honeysuckle
- Grows in full sun or partial shade.
- Keep soil moist and well-drained.
- Protect this plant if grown in an area that receives frost, which can damage its leaves and branches, by covering the roots in mulch or overwintering.
- Feed annually with a balanced fertilizer only if your soil is lacking in nutrients.
Buy Plants Wholesale
Wholesale plants are available for governments, civic associations and NPOs.