Honeysuckle, Cape Red

Plant name: Honeysuckle, Cape Red

Scientific name: Tecomaria capensis (syn. Tecoma capensis)

Plant description:
Cape Red Honeysuckle is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub or scrambling vine valued for its extended bloom season and strong wildlife appeal. It produces arching stems that can be trained on a trellis, allowed to cascade over walls, or maintained as a dense shrub with regular pruning. Its vigorous growth and adaptability make it suitable for hedges, screens, and large containers in warm climates.

Flower description:
Clusters of tubular, red to orange-red flowers appear at the ends of stems throughout the warm season. Blooms are produced in cycles, with heaviest flowering during periods of active growth. The tubular shape is well suited to hummingbirds and other nectar-seeking pollinators.

Leaf description:
Leaves are compound, medium green, and slightly glossy. Each leaf is made up of multiple oval leaflets arranged along a central stem. Foliage forms a dense backdrop to the bright flowers and responds well to shaping and pruning.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Evergreen in frost-free climates; semi-evergreen to deciduous where exposed to winter freezes

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 8–11

Mature height and width:
Typically 6–10 feet tall and 6–8 feet wide as a shrub. When trained as a vine, it can reach 10–15 feet or more with support. Size can be managed through regular pruning.

Landscape uses:
Suitable for privacy hedges, trellised accents, pollinator gardens, and erosion control on slopes. Works well spilling over retaining walls or trained along fences. Can also be grown in large containers with structural support.

Native range:
Native to South Africa

Sun exposure:
Full sun promotes the strongest flowering and most compact growth. Tolerates light shade but may bloom less heavily in reduced light.

Water requirements:
Moderate water during establishment. Once established, it tolerates short dry periods but performs best with consistent moisture in well-drained soil. Avoid prolonged saturation.

Pests and problems:
Generally low maintenance. Occasional issues may include whiteflies, aphids, or spider mites during periods of stress. Root rot can develop in poorly drained soil. Regular pruning improves airflow and encourages repeat bloom.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Strong tolerance of heat and direct sun. Maintains flowering performance through hot conditions when planted in well-drained soil.

Cold tolerance:
Light frost may cause leaf drop or tip damage. In colder areas within its range, top growth may die back but regrow from the base in spring. Extended freezing temperatures can cause significant damage.

Growing tips:
Plant in a location with full sun and adequate space for its mature size. Prune after bloom cycles to shape the plant and stimulate new flowering stems. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which can reduce bloom production. Provide structural support early if training as a vine. In regions with winter freezes, allow room for regrowth if seasonal dieback occurs.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.