Clytostoma

Family. Bignoniaceae.

Origin. Brazil and Argentina.

Description. Clytostoma is a small genus of evergreen vines and shrubs with showy flowers, containing 24 species. The leaves are compound, consisting of 2-3 oblong-lanceolate, green segments up to 8 cm long. Each leaf has a long thin tendril, with the help of which the plant climbs the support. In late spring, spectacular funnel-shaped buds with 5 fused petals of pale lilac, pink, blue, burgundy, white color, up to 4 cm in diameter appear. Flowers can have contrasting dark purple and purple veins on the petals, collected in small inflorescences. During the flowering period, the entire plant is buried in buds for several weeks.

Height. The shoots reach 10 m in length. Most species grow quite quickly and reach a height of 2 m within one season.

Temperature conditions

In the summer, the clytostoma tolerates the heat well. In the autumn-winter period, the plant needs to rest and gain strength for the next season - place it in a cool place with a temperature of 5 - 10 ° C. It does not tolerate frost.

Lighting

Prefers brightly lit places with direct sunlight all year round. When grown in partial shade, flowering will be less abundant.

Care

Thin the stems to prevent fungal diseases. Cut the shoots by half after flowering to maintain compactness, pinch the young tips so that the plant branches abundantly and looks thicker. Remove damaged and weak branches, as well as wilting flowers. The long stems of the plant require support. Clytostoma will appreciate being outdoors in the warm season.

Feeding

During the period of active growth - spring and summer, feed with liquid fertilizers every two weeks.

Purpose

The clytostoma quickly entwines the trellises. Used for landscaping balconies and terraces. 

Flowering time

The most abundant buds are formed in late spring - early summer, but a smaller number of flowers may appear at any other time of the year.

Air humidity

Mist leaves with soft water at room temperature to prevent pests such as red spider mites.

Soil moisture

Young specimens require regular watering to develop a deep, extensive root system. Mature plants are more drought-resistant. Water the cleistome generously from April until the end of flowering. Reduce the frequency of watering after flowering. During the winter dormancy period, water very sparingly to avoid complete drying of the root ball.

Transplant

Clytostoma prefers large pots and tubs, as it has a fairly large root system. Repot young bushes in the spring, annually. For larger specimens, change the top layer of soil regularly.

Reproduction

Propagate by semi-mature stem cuttings 10-15 cm long, taken in spring and summer. Remove the lower leaves from the cuttings and dip the base in rooting powder. Place the cuttings in a damp mixture of peat and sand, cover with a clear plastic cap and place in a warm place with dim light. Rooting will take 4-6 weeks.

Pests and diseases

With proper care, the clytostoma is rarely attacked by pests, and it also rarely gets sick. The plant can rot if there is excess moisture. 

Common harmful insects include spider mites and aphids.