Its genus name is Quisqualis indica, literally translated as “what is that?” And that is exactly what people think when they see this attractive Florida friendly landscape plant.
Multi-colored Flowering Vine
Rangoon Creeper, also known as Chinese honeysuckle, Burma creeper, or Scarlet Rangoon, starts as a shrub, but later begins branching into a climber. A Florida-friendly non-invasive vine, It flowers profusely all year long, but is especially beautiful during the spring and summer. The blooms start out as white and trumpet-shaped, but then turn pink, and finally, by the end of the day, grow bright red. All three colors are visible on a flower stalk, giving the plant an exotic and surprising look.
For gardeners looking for a plant that smells nice, Chinese honeysuckle is a good choice. The aroma is reminiscent of almonds or apples, and are good attractants for beneficial insects, so this plant makes a good addition to a butterfly garden. Hybrid varieties of the Rangoon Creeper tend to put out the most number of flowers, however non-hybrids flower well, too.
Care of Rangoon Creeper
Rangoon Creeper grows best in bright light, fertile soil, and with moderate watering. As a Florida-friendly landscape plant, it doesn’t require excessive maintenance, water or fertilizer.
Quisqualis indica does need to be trimmed during the summer to avoid overgrowth, but is easy to prune. It can be kept as a container plant, or used as a creeping vine. It works especially well as a vine to provide shade or cover on a porch, terrace, balcony, pagoda, or arbor. It is also very decorative on a fence or trellis.
Characteristics of Rangoon Creeper
Rangoon creeper can withstand cold winter spells, and will come back strong in the spring. It is an evergreen vine recommended for Zones 9-10b. For Zone 9, it should be planted in the early spring and fall. It grows to a height of 30 feet and a spread of 20 feet. The growth rate is fast, and the plant prefers a soil pH of 5.1-6.5.
Quisqualis indica is a wonderful climbing plant for the Florida landscape or any location in Zone 9-10b. Information on this plant and other Florida-friendly foliage such as fruit trees, rain lilies, and Society Garlic is provided with permission by Dee Dee Jacobson, horticultural agent at the University of Florida's IFAS extension office in Highlands County, Florida.
Source:
Dee Dee Jacobson, "The unusual shrublike plant is Rangoon Creeper," Highlands Today, August 1, 2011, A2.
Christy Swift - Christy Swift is a stay-at-home mom of two girls and a freelance writer. She has volunteered as a doula for young and underprivileged ...
Join the Conversation