The ribbon bush (Tecoma capensis or Cape Honeysuckle) is a versatile ornamental plant native to southern Africa, cultivated globally in warmer regions. It is admired for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers, typically orange, yellow, and red. Its dense, glossy green foliage provides a lush backdrop, making it a favored choice among gardeners.
Ideal Growing Environment
The ribbon bush thrives in full sun, which promotes abundant flowering. While it tolerates partial shade, bloom production may decrease. In hot climates, afternoon shade can be beneficial.
It adapts to various soil types, including sandy and clay, as long as they are well-draining. Well-draining soil prevents root rot, and amending heavy soils with compost or sand improves aeration and drainage. The ribbon bush tolerates acidic, neutral, and alkaline soil pH.
Consistent moisture benefits newly planted bushes. Once established, it exhibits drought tolerance, though weekly deep watering in full sun supports vigorous growth and flowering. In shadier spots, watering can be reduced. It is winter hardy in USDA zones 9-11, remaining evergreen. In cooler areas, temperatures below 25°F (-3.9°C) may cause dieback, but the plant often recovers from its roots in spring.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Regular pruning maintains the ribbon bush’s shape, controls size, and promotes denser, more prolific blooms. Light trimming shapes the plant, while aggressive pruning in late winter or early spring encourages new growth and enhances flowering. Hard pruning rejuvenates overgrown plants, and removing spent flowers encourages continuous blooming.
Fertilization supports lush growth and vibrant flowers. For in-ground plants, apply a balanced granular fertilizer (e.g., 13-13-13) as directed. For container plants, use a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer or slow-release granular type every three months during growing seasons. Fertilizing after pruning helps the plant recover and produce new growth.
The ribbon bush is robust with few serious pest or disease issues. Indoors, it might occasionally encounter spider mites or whiteflies. Good air circulation, achieved through proper spacing and pruning, helps prevent many common problems.
Enhancing Your Landscape
The ribbon bush is versatile in landscape design, functioning as a sprawling shrub, groundcover, or climbing vine with support. It is excellent for dense hedges or privacy screens, and its vining habit allows training along fences and trellises for vertical interest.
It is also effective for erosion control on slopes due to its spreading nature. Container planting is another option, allowing for size management and portability. Its bright, tubular flowers attract pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, adding ecological value.
Multiplying Your Ribbon Bush
Propagating ribbon bush is straightforward using stem cuttings. Best taken during spring and summer when the plant is actively growing, softwood cuttings from new growth are preferred.
Select healthy, non-flowering stems 4-6 inches long, making a clean cut just below a leaf node. Remove lower leaves, leaving a few at the top. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone enhances root development. Plant cuttings in a well-draining rooting medium (e.g., perlite and peat moss mix), keeping it consistently moist but not waterlogged. A warm, bright location with indirect light and maintained humidity (e.g., by covering with a plastic bag) encourages rooting within weeks.