Climbing plants are of several types. But undoubtedly the one who, seen, is adored, is the Bignonia capreolata. Have you heard of her?
In this article we will talk about how is this plant, what is its care and some curiosities about it. So be careful. Who knows, this could be your next creeper.
Contents
How is the Bignonia capreolata
The first thing is to tell you about the Bignonia capreolata. Better known as climbing bignonia, it is actually a shrub that has climbing characteristics. It is semi-evergreen, but it is actually perennial. Why are you being told two contradictory things? Because it will depend on the weather and where you place it. There are times when you can keep the leaves all year round, but other times, due to the weather, it will be a few months without them (or no more peeling).
The way it “hangs on” is by tendrils which are what this plant uses to cling vertically to whatever structure it can, be it the wall, bricks, or wire. This way it grows vertically. Now, if this hook is not provided, the plant will most likely drop its branches downward, covering a layer of soil. This is why many choose place it in places where it can be rolled up, or place a guide or stake on it grow around you.
In total you can reach 6-8 meters in length accompanied by very leafy foliage, with oval green leaves (there will be darker and lighter, because over the days the leaves become darker green).
Corn what most characterizes the Bignonia capreolata is, without a doubt, its flowers. These are trumpet shaped and red inside and out but the rim is orange (and it opens outward as if to turn around). These measure between 4 and 5 cm and always appear in groups of one to five flowers, all with five petals. After having passed these in the spring, they give rise to a fruit, a flat capsule which will reach 15 cm.
He is from North America and its main use is ornamental since, among the leaves and the flowers that it throws, it is very conspicuous in the gardens. But, for it to develop properly, it is necessary to provide it with some care. We tell you below.
care of the Bignonia capreolata
As we told you before, we are going to tell you what care you need to give him so that he is healthy:
location and temperature
The Bignonia capreolata is a plant that it likes the sun, but its exposure will depend on the location. For example, if you are in northern Spain, we recommend putting it in direct sunlight all the time; if you live in the south, it is better to find a place where it benefits from the sun but also from partial shade.
It is not because it does not tolerate high temperatures, but because the sun is more intense, it can damage it a little. Indeed, it resists temperatures quite well, while tolerating cold down to -10 degrees and intense heat.
the the gel tolerates them if they are softbut if these are common, it is better to protect it to avoid the cold (not only the branches and the leaves, but also the ground).
Earth
This plant needs a substrate that retains moisture, but at the same time it is exhausting. We therefore advise you to make a mixture of organic soil and drainage type vermiculite, perlite or akadama, depending on where you are going to place it).
Keep in mind that if there are puddles, the roots will rot very quickly, so you have to be careful with the irrigation and the type of substrate you put there.
Watering and humidity
The irrigation it will require of you is abundant since he likes to have a moist ground, but not waterlogged, be careful. It is best to rely on location and temperature, in addition to touching the ground to see if it needs water or not.
What it will need is constant humidity. Native to North America, needs moisture in the environment to feed. You can achieve this by spraying water every day in summer (in winter if there is humidity in the environment it will not be necessary).
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In spring, which are also the flowering months of the Bignonia capreolata You need to give it some fertilizer. It can be given with a organic fertilizer but keep in mind that it should be thrown around the trunk, not just over it as that would be counterproductive.
Cut
As a climbing and fast-growing plant, pruning will be one of your tasks. And you have to try remove dry or damaged partslet them come out as you want them to have and let them air between the branches.
It is therefore a maintenance pruning because you will have to do it throughout the year.
Of course, you can also take a drastic one, cutting from the base to rejuvenate the whole plant.
the reproduction
The proliferation of Bignonia capreolata can be done in two different ways: by seed or fruit or by cuttings. This second is the most used and the one that gives the best results.
The way to reproduce it with cuttings is very easy. You only have to see the part of the plant that is the strongest and also not woody (the more woody the stem, the older it is and the less likely it is to succeed. Therefore, a semi-mature one is better.
Always cut leaving at least two leaves at the top. You should put it in a pot with moistened soil, constant humidity and temperature. In a few weeks it should come on and start to take root as you see it grow.
Now that you know the Bignonia capreolata It’s time to ask yourself if this is the climbing plant you would like to have in your garden. As we told you, it is usually used decoratively, but you can also use it on fences to cover so that the inside of your house is not visible from the outside (unless the branches are separated). Do you dare to cultivate it?