Combretum fruticosum: Orange Flame Vine

This Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ publication is part of a document series originally written by Edward F. Gilman. Visit https://FloridaFriendlyLandscaping.com to learn more about creating and maintaining attractive landscapes that protect Florida's water resources and environment.

Introduction

Orange flame vine is a tropical evergreen vine with a spreading growth habit. This plant reaches a spread of 10 to 20 feet, and height depends upon supporting structure (Figure 1). The evergreen leaves are 4 to 8-inches long, elliptic, and glossy (Figure 2). Delicate orange and yellow brush-like flowers are borne in the axils of the opposite, simple leaves (Figure 3). This plant has a peak bloom season from late summer through fall. These showy clusters of flowers attract pollinators and hummingbirds. These flowers develop into clusters of red, four-winged seed pods (Figure 4). With its showy flowers and seed pods, this plant makes an excellent specimen, may be used to veil a trellis, or trained as an espalier or standard.

General Information

Scientific name: Combretum fruticosum

Pronunciation: kom-BREE-tum froo-tick-KOE-sum

Common name(s): orange flame vine

Family: Combretaceae

Plant type: vine

USDA hardiness zones: 9B through 11B (Figures 5 and 6)

Planting month for zone 9: year-round

Planting month for zones 10 and 11: year-round

Origin: not native to North America

Invasive potential: not known to be invasive

Uses: trained as a standard; espalier; specimen; veils a trellis

Availability: grown in small quantities by a small number of nurseries

Description

Height: depends upon supporting structure

Spread: 10 to 20 feet

Plant habit: spreading; round

Plant density: moderate

Growth rate: fast

Texture: medium

Use and Management

Orange flame vine should be planted in full sun for optimal flower production. This plant is adaptable to various soil conditions given that soil is well drained; however, it will benefit from incorporation of organic matter. Flowers are produced in the leaf axils of the new growth. If pruning is needed, it should occur after flowering has finished. Supply the plant with regular irrigation during dry weather to maintain good growth and flowering. Periodic fertilization during the year also helps keep the plant in flower.

Orange flame vine can also be grown as a loose shrub, becoming at least 10 to 15 feet wide and 6 to 8 feet tall. It can be planted 5 to 8 feet apart to form a solid mass within a couple of years after planting. It makes a good soil stabilizer for steep slopes. Shoots can extend several feet from the fence or other structure supporting the vine. Consider the growth habit of this plant before planting in the landscape as regular pruning will remove the flowers.

Other species exist including Combretum grandiflorum, which has red flowers and reddish new growth. Propagation is by stem cuttings in spring and summer, seed, or layering.

Design Considerations

Orange flame vine delivers vivid orange, brushlike flower clusters and a lush, twining habit that adds bold color, tropical texture, and strong seasonal drama to the landscape. Its vigorous, sprawling growth performs best in full sun on sturdy supports such as large arbors, pergolas, or fences where its cascading form can be fully appreciated. It pairs well with sun-loving companions that balance and extend its intensity—blue plumbago (Plumbago auiculata), purple salvia (Salvia spp.), porterweed (Stachytarpeta jamaciensis), and firebush (Hamelia patens)—and with foliage plants like gingers (various species), heliconias (Heliconia spp.), crotons (Codiaeum variegatum), and coontie (Zamia integrifolia) for added mass and structure. Finish the composition with drought-tolerant grasses or low groundcovers such as wild coffee (Psychotria nervosa) or pentas (Pentas lanceolata) to create a cohesive, layered base.

Pests and Diseases

No pests or diseases of major concern.