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Dolichandra unguis-cati (Cat's claw creeper)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
10m
Max height
Max height
3m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Dolichandra unguis-cati
Other names
Cat's claw creeper, Anikab, Bejuco edmurcielago, Cat's claw, Cat's paw creeper, Mano de lagarija, Macfadyena unguis-cati, Bignonia unguis-cati, Doxantha unguis-cati, Yellow trumpet vine, Funnel creeper
Genus
Dolichandra Dolichandra
Species
D. unguis-cati - D. unguis-cati is a vigorous yet tender, tendril-forming, evergreen climber with pinnate leaves divided into paired, ovate to lance-shaped, dark green leaflets and, from spring into summer, tubular, bright yellow flowers with orange-marked throats. Flowers are followed by slender, green, bean-like seed pods turning brown-flushed, dark purple when ripe.
Dolichandra unguis-cati is: Evergreen
Fragrance
Flowers are strongly fragrant, particularly in the evening.
Habit
Climbing, Twining
Toxicity
All parts are highly toxic if ingested.
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Flower
Bright-yellow in Spring; Bright-yellow in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Mealybugs , Glasshouse red spider mite , Whitefly Mealybugs , Glasshouse red spider mite , Whitefly
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 11. Train up a fence, pergola, arch, or trellis. Alternatively, treat as a ground cover and allow to trail along the ground.
Propagation
Sow seed at 16-21C (61-70F) in spring. Air layer in spring.
Propagation methods
Semi-ripe cuttings, Seed, Layering
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Where to grow
Dolichandra unguis-cati (Cat's claw creeper) will reach a height of 10m and a spread of 3m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Sub-Tropical, Ground Cover, Greenhouse, Containers, Conservatory, City, Wallside and trellises
Cultivation
In frost-free areas, grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, slightly acid to slightly alkaline soil in sun with shelter from cold, drying winds. Best with regular summer moisture. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in bright, filtered light & shade from hot sun.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3), Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Dolichandra unguis-cati
Other names
Cat's claw creeper, Anikab, Bejuco edmurcielago, Cat's claw, Cat's paw creeper, Mano de lagarija, Macfadyena unguis-cati, Bignonia unguis-cati, Doxantha unguis-cati, Yellow trumpet vine, Funnel creeper
Genus
Dolichandra Dolichandra
Species
D. unguis-cati - D. unguis-cati is a vigorous yet tender, tendril-forming, evergreen climber with pinnate leaves divided into paired, ovate to lance-shaped, dark green leaflets and, from spring into summer, tubular, bright yellow flowers with orange-marked throats. Flowers are followed by slender, green, bean-like seed pods turning brown-flushed, dark purple when ripe.
Native to
Mexico, South America
Foliage
Evergreen
Fragrance
Flowers are strongly fragrant, particularly in the evening.
Habit
Climbing, Twining
Toxicity
All parts are highly toxic if ingested.
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Flower
Bright-yellow in Spring; Bright-yellow in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Mealybugs , Glasshouse red spider mite , Whitefly
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 11. Train up a fence, pergola, arch, or trellis. Alternatively, treat as a ground cover and allow to trail along the ground.
Propagation
Sow seed at 16-21C (61-70F) in spring. Air layer in spring.
Propagation methods
Semi-ripe cuttings, Seed, Layering
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Dolichandra unguis-cati (Cat's claw creeper) will reach a height of 10m and a spread of 3m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Sub-Tropical, Ground Cover, Greenhouse, Containers, Conservatory, City, Wallside and trellises
Cultivation
In frost-free areas, grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, slightly acid to slightly alkaline soil in sun with shelter from cold, drying winds. Best with regular summer moisture. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in bright, filtered light & shade from hot sun.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3), Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9
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| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3), Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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