Golden shower

Bignoniaceae Pyrostegia - the Flame vine; is a native of India and is commonly known as Golden shower. This has to be one of the showiest of the garden climbers and is reminiscent of the honeysuckle. Those flowers are more wax like than wax itself. In the photograph the first of the flowers are just open, though in a few days the others will follow. Dark green foliage compliments those hot orange flowers.



This plant climbs be entwining it's tendrils around any supporting object and as such is easy to train along fences and walls. Though the flowers are short lived the plant repeat flowers throughout all but the coldest months. A plant that has to be kept frost free the base of the plant should be protected from freezing weather with heavy mulching or by wrapping the stems. Containerized specimens can be brought inside.

We will attempt to propagate cuttings from the golden shower later in the year.

Podranea Ricasoliana

This a spectacular climber capable of covering large areas of boundary wall or fence up to 20' high. The shoots which trail to the ground root readily in a sunny spot, I will also try to propagate by seed in February. The plant is fast growing and should reach 5' - 6' in the first year, though the second year should see the first flower display. The Podranea Ricasoliana plant is hardy to -7 degrees C.

I saw it growing well in Empuriabrava on the coast just a few miles away, so I am confident it will grow well here. A member of the Bignoniaceae family it is commonly known as the pink trumpet vine or the St. John's bay creeper. In late summer as everything else is passing over this plant becomes the star of the show.

Don't forget to click on the photographs for a larger picture!