Re: Tecomanthe speciosa (was Hardiness of Several Subtropical Plants
david feix wrote:
>
> I have several questions for anyone within the group
> who may be growing one or more of the following
> plants; I realize that none of these plants are
> mediterranean, but can be grown here, giving a more
> subtropical look.
David
The only one of these plants which I can comment on from personal
knowledge is Tecomanthe speciosa.
Not that I have grown it myself, my garden among the hills is a trifle
cold to suit it and I doubt it would flower for me, but there is one in
the gasrden of a friend out on the adjacent coast which flowers
beautifully. I do know that others in an inland valley, just a trace
colder than the coast (occasional very light winter frosts and summer
highs normally not over about 80 Farenheit) took quite a few years to
flower but did eventually. I think it may be mainly summer temperatures
which determine whether and when vines will flower.
The flowers when they do appear are produced in late summer or early
autumn and tend to be mostly under the leaf canopy. It is generally
agreed that vines should be regularly pruned, once there is no more
danger of frost, to curb their exuberence, but always keeping in mind
that flowers are produced only on mature wood. These are described in
one account as lemon-coloured, but I would say more a creamy shade. They
are very large and handsome, in big clusters and well set off by the
rich foliage. I hope yours does produce flowers eventually, as I think
you will enjoy them a lot.
One book suggests that shelter from wind is needed for young vines, but
as the wild mother plant (the only one left in the world as far as we
know) grows on a smallish island of the north east coast I find this
hard to believe. At least if shouldn't be at all bothered by salt
spray!.
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata (near Wellington, capital city of New Zealand)
