Marvel from sadly-missed isle of Madeira
Normally, at this time of year, I tend to be somewhere down south, enjoying the warmth of almost-sub-tropical Madeira.
This year, however, instead of being able to luxuriate in the sun and marvel at the wealth of flowering plants, I am having to make do with memories.
Until a certain virus has been dealt with, looking at photos is I all I can do to brighten up a dismal period. Right now, the star is Pyrostegia venusta (flame vine, or golden shower) a rampant climber that carries cascades of bright orange tubular flowers.
I have seen the flame vine growing uncontrolled in Madeira’s gardens, and it is simply stunning. When it is allowed free rein, it can go head-to-head with bougainvillea.
Pyrostegia venusta is, in fact, a liana (a vigorous, woody climber) and it’s usually seen growing in tropical and subtropical areas, as well as in milder parts of the Mediterranean where plants form dense masses, growing up trees, on walls or over rocks.
In Brazil, the leaves of Pyrostegia venusta are used in traditional medicine as a tonic and for treating diarrhoea. However, it is more widely known as an ornamental climber that flowers throughout the year in favourable locations.
The flame vine grows rapidly, climbing by tendrils and covering everything that can offer a good support. Heavy or frequent pruning is needed to restrain it.
That’s outdoors, of course, in countries where it has no fear that frost will ever threaten it. This far north, things are different and Pyrostegia venusta would need protection, so the best advice is to grow it, under glass, in a loam-based compost with added sharp sand.
Even when confined to a container, it can put on impressive growth, but indoors it’s also a martyr to red spider mite and other greenhouse and conservatory pests.
Hopefully, next year, I will be able to see it once again in its home environment.