Chilean Trumpet Vine, Orange Clock Vine
eccremocarpus scaber
Also known as: ["Chilean Trumpet Vine","Orange Clock Vine","Cock's Comb Vine"]
Overview
A vigorous, deciduous vine with tubular, brightly colored flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","fast growing","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Bignoniaceae |
| Genus: | Eccremocarpus |
| Botanical Name: | Eccremocarpus scaber |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining
- Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil with organic matter
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or full sun (6–8 hours/day); adjust for intense summer sun to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun; provide shade during peak afternoon heat; move indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun; rotate pot for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, fertile soil with organic matter
pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Use cactus mix as a base; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm conditions; protect from extreme cold or heat.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain moderate temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; avoid fertilizing dry soil; flush soil occasionally to prevent buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm (65–75°F), indirect light
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss
Hormone
Recommended to promote root development
Timeline
Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic bag; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems just above a leaf node or bud; thin out crowded areas.
Pruning Plan
Encourage bushier growth, remove dead/damaged stems, and control size.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before new growth begins
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and vigor.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot; increase during hot, dry periods.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with coarse materials.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or leaf curl in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dieback; roots are susceptible to freezing.
Solution: Move to a sheltered location; cover with frost cloth; avoid overwatering in cold.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to heat stress.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season; dilute properly; apply to moist soil; avoid foliage contact.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Eccremocarpus scaber. The plant poses a low risk, but ingestion should be prevented.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Eccremocarpus scaber may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not highly toxic, but caution is advised to prevent accidental consumption.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicEccremocarpus scaber contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon contact. The toxicity is generally low, but ingestion may lead to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Eccremocarpus scaber?
A: It can be propagated by seed or softwood cuttings taken in summer.
Q: Does Eccremocarpus scaber require support?
A: Yes, it is a vine and needs a trellis or support structure to climb.
Q: Is Eccremocarpus scaber frost-tolerant?
A: It is not frost-hardy and should be grown in frost-free conditions or protected during winter.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Bignoniaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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