How to Grow Eccremocarpus
Eccremocarpus scaber
Eccremocarpus grown as an evergreen perennial climber in mild or sheltered conditions. Once established on a warm wall or sturdy trellis, it remains year after year, producing cascades of tubular orange-red flowers from late spring through autumn. Tie in new growth regularly, protect the root zone over winter, and prune lightly in spring to rejuvenate. In favourable spots it can reach 4 metres and provides outstanding vertical colour with minimal maintenance.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Feed fortnightly with a high-potash liquid fertilizer from late spring through flowering to sustain the long bloom season.
Watch For
- Aphids on young shoots
- Red spider mite in sheltered positions
- Slugs on young spring growth
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun, warm sheltered wall
Needs a sunny, warm position such as a south-facing wall or sturdy trellis. Produces the longest flowering season in maximum sunlight with wind protection.
Watering
Regular during establishment
Water regularly in the first year and during dry spells. Once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant but flowers better with consistent moisture.
Fertilizing
High-potash feed fortnightly
Feed fortnightly with a high-potash liquid fertiliser from late spring through flowering to sustain the long bloom season.
Pruning
Cut back hard in early spring
In early spring, cut back to 30 cm or to healthy buds to rejuvenate. Remove frost-damaged or dead wood at the same time.
Support
Trellis or wires essential
Climbs by tendrils but benefits from regular tying in to cover supports evenly. Provide a sturdy trellis, wires, or obelisk for the stems to grip.
