This vine is absolutely a delightful sight, especially in the winter months when many other flowers are dormant. It flowers for many months from just after Christmas right through January, February, March, April, May, June and July. In full flower, this creeper is a breathtaking sight, cascading like a waterfall of orange trumpets. When in full bloom, this evergreen creeper is a magnificent cascading waterfall of orange trumpets with shiny green leaves. Ideal as a privacy screen, as a barrier against very hot surface, to cover pergolas, walls or to hide unsightly garden features such as corrugated tin roofs and water tanks. Tolerates coastal conditions. Will attract bees, butterflies and birds to the garden.
To ensure its healthy growth and vibrant blooms, follow these care tips:
Sunlight:
The more sun it gets, the more profuse its blooming will be. Place your plant in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering:
While Golden Showers are relatively drought-tolerant. During our spring and summer rainfall season you need not to water this plant. But, regular watering is essential, during the winter months. Allow the top 3cmof the soil to dry between watering, and be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Soil:
The plant prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. A mix of garden soil and compost can provide a suitable growing medium. Avoid heavy clay soils that can get waterlogged.
Fertilization:
During the active growing period (spring and summer), feed your Golden Shower with a balanced fertilizer. Use a fertilizer high in potassium to encourage abundant flowering.
Pruning:
Regular cutting back helps control the plant's size and shape. Best time to prune is in late winter or early spring just before new growth begins. Remove weak or dead stems and trim back any excessive growth. This encourages new growth and enhances blooming.
Support: Golden Showers are vigorous climbers, and can easily reach up to 30m. So provide a sturdy support structure such as a trellis, fence, tree or any other secure structure for the plant to climb on. Secure the stems loosely to the support to guide the growth.
Pest and Disease Control:
Ensure your plant has good air circulation around the leaves to prevent fungal diseases. Garden pests like aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites can be a common problem during the wet months. If detected, just treat the plant with neem oil.
