Quisqualis indica, commonly known as Rangoon creeper or Drunken Sailor, is a flowering vine in the family Combretaceae. It is native to South and Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its beautiful and fragrant flowers.
Landscape Use:
Quisqualis indica is commonly grown in gardens and landscapes for its stunning and fragrant flowers.
It is often used as a climbing vine to cover walls, trellises, pergolas, and fences, adding a touch of exotic beauty to outdoor structures.
Rangoon creeper can also be grown in large containers or hanging baskets, allowing it to cascade gracefully over the edges.
Special Considerations:
While Quisqualis indica is a fast grower, it may take a couple of years to become well-established and start producing abundant flowers.
It may require pruning to control its growth and maintain the desired shape.
Overall, Quisqualis indica (Rangoon creeper) is a captivating and delightful vine that brings a touch of exotic beauty to gardens and landscapes. Its color-changing flowers and sweet fragrance make it a favorite among gardeners looking to add a unique and visually appealing element to their outdoor spaces.
Here’s an overview of Quisqualis indica (Rangoon creeper):
Plant Characteristics:
Flowers: The most striking feature of Rangoon creeper is its unique flowers. The flowers change color as they age, starting as white or pale pink, then turning into pink, and finally maturing to deep red. This color-changing display often results in all three colors appearing on the vine at the same time, creating a captivating visual effect. The flowers are tubular and have a sweet, pleasant fragrance that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Foliage: The leaves of Quisqualis indica are simple, opposite, and dark green. They are lance-shaped and contribute to the overall lush appearance of the plant.
Growth Habit: Rangoon creeper is a vigorous and fast-growing vine that can reach heights of 10 to 30 feet (about 3 to 9 meters) or more. It has twining stems that allow it to climb and cover trellises, fences, and other supports.
Cultural Requirements:
Light: Quisqualis indica thrives in full sunlight. It requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce abundant flowers and maintain healthy growth.
Temperature: This vine is well-suited for warm and tropical climates. It is sensitive to frost and prefers temperatures above 50°F (10°C).
Watering: Rangoon creeper has moderate water needs. It should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil is ideal for Quisqualis indica. It can tolerate various soil types, but it prefers soil enriched with organic matter.
Fertilization: Regular fertilization with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) can promote healthy growth and flowering.
