Quisqualis indica
Quisqualis indica, also commonly known as the Rangoon creeper or Burma creeper, is a vine with red flower clusters which is native to tropical Asia and grows in thickets, primary and secondary forest, and along river banks. It has since been cultivated and naturalized in tropical areas such as Bangladesh, Burma, Vietnam, and Thailand. This plant is grown as an ornament. The Rangoon creeper is a ligneous vine that can reach from 2.5 meters to up to 8 meters. The leaves are elliptical with an acuminate tip and a rounded base. They grow from 7 to 15 centimeters and their arrangement is opposite. The flowers are tubular, consisting of oblong petals 6-8 mm long. They are fragrant and have long receptacles to adapt for pollinators with long tongues. They change in colour with age and it is thought that this is a strategy to gather more pollinators. The flower is initially white and opens at dusk to attract hawkmoths. On the second day it turns pink, and on the third it turns red attracting day flying bees and birds. The flower also changes from a horizontal orientation to a drooping pose.
Planting: Quisqualis indica is best planted in a warm climate with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant is drought tolerant and does not require much watering once established.
Fertilizing: You can fertilize the plant with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in spring to help stimulate new growth.
Pruning: Quisqualis indica should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Cut back the previous year’s growth to about 6 inches above the ground.
Overwintering: Quisqualis indica is tolerant to freezing temperatures, but it does lose its bright green color, turning brown after frost. If you want to overwinter it, protect it from frost by covering it with a thick layer of mulch or moving it indoors to a cool, dry location.
Pest and Disease Control: Quisqualis indica is not often bothered by pests or diseases and is generally rabbit and deer resistant.
Uses: Quisqualis indica is ideal for creating a tropical look in your garden or landscape. It can be used as a specimen plant or planted in groups for a dramatic effect. It also looks impressive in containers and can be used as an indoor plant if given enough light.
Here are some step-by-step instructions for caring for Quisqualis indica:
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