Pyrostegia venusta

A very vigorous evergreen climber that climbs up to 6m or more with a spread of up to 2m.

The leaves are glossy and green with leaflets ain pairs and a long central 3-branched twisting tendril. The crowded clusters of flowers are formed in the leaf axils on the tips of shoots. Tubular waxy reddish-orange flowers 6cm long are produced in terminal clusters mainly in winter.

Full sun sheltered sandy loam soil moist but well-drained.

Always choose healthy well grown plants and plant after autumn rains as the soil is moist and warm and allows plants to become established before winter. This enables them to withstand dry periods during the following summer. Young plants require thorough watering during dry periods over the first two or three years mulching helps to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Planting success is often improved on clay soils by adding extra topsoil and raising beds. Incorporate coarse sand bark compost or other organic material to improve soil structure.

Before planting ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow release fertiliser and then every spring apply an organic based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square meter as new growth begins. The worst fate for a tree is to be planted in a hole where the root ball is allowed to sink below the surrounding ground level. Therefore it is generally desirable to plant trees into slightly raised beds of well cultivated soil. This improves drainage and provides near surface roots with well aerated soil in which to grow.

Mulching annually helps suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Organic materials such as sawdust and bark contribute to soil structure as they decompose but keep mulching material away from the trunk. They benefit from a dressing (50g/m2) of general purpose fertiliser in early spring as new growth begins this will encourage more vigorous healthy growth. Sprinkle evenly and work into the top 2 to 3cm of the soil taking care not to damage surface roots.

The first summer and autumn after planting is critical for young plants; water thoroughly during dry periods. Pests and diseases can have serious debilitating effects on young plants; check regularly. Check stakes and ties for chafing and constriction and remove as soon as plants are strong enough to withstand winds without damage.

Prune this vine back sharply after it has completed its annual flowering to keep it tamed, as well as to promote heavy flowering the following year.

Generally disease-free but may suffer from scale insects.

TBC

It is also commonly cultivated throughout the tropics and other frost-free regions of the world where it can become naturalised and is sometimes considered invasive. In Brazil, the leaves are used in traditional medicine as a tonic and for treating diarrhoea.