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GENERAL
Origin
:
tropical
Vigour
:
slow-growing
Humidity
:
semi-humid, very
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings, layer
Maintenance :
high
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
high
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (1500
ppm)
Hardiness
:
-6°C
SHAPE
Type
:
climbers
Height
:
1 m-6 m
Spread
:
2 m-5 m
Foliage
:
evergreen, semi-
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
lilac, violet,
yellow
Size
:
6 cm - 8 cm
Period
:
April - July
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
10 cm
Toxicity
:
inedible
The Lavender Trumpet Vine, native to Brazil and Argentina, is not often seen in Arriyadh, but
certainly has great potential for garden use, as seen in many gardens in arid regions. It is also
remarkably frost-tolerant to –7°C, although it will become deciduous and will generally recover,
even when frozen to the ground, from its hardy, fleshy roots. It will do best in light shade, and
reflected sun should be avoided. This vine will grow up to over 6 m long. The green leaves have
two leaflets, and the pinkish-lilac flowers up to 8 cm in diameter have purple veins, appearing
from spring to summer. Regular watering is necessary during the growth period and moderate
for the rest of the time: overwatering should be avoided. Growing in most garden soils with good
drainage, a deep, extensive root system should be encouraged and a general-purpose fertiliser
should be applied in early spring, and then again in early summer. Propagation is best by semi-
hardwood cuttings in summer, but scarified seed or layering are also possible. The cuttings strike
easily. Pruning is best in late winter to control growth or to induce new growth from lower down.
Chlorosis can be a problem, especially in spring. Generally pest- and disease-resistant, C. calliste-
gioides is a very attractive vine with a tropical look, which will enhance a private garden where
it has the space to develop. It grows particularly well over walls and fences: its tendrils attach
themselves easily to chain-link fences, for example. It is also very suitable for shade structures.
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Clytostoma callistegioides,
Bignoniaceae
Lavender,
Trumpet Vine