Tecomanthe hillii

The Fraser Island Creeper

Also known as the Fraser Island Creeper, Tecomanth Hillii with its brilliant pink to red flowers is one of the more spectacular native climbing plants. The flower hang in large umbells, each around 8cm in length. The vine itself if woody and the foliage are a deep glossy green. In the natural environment flowering is in the winter months.

Tecomanthe are a fairly fast growing subtropical forest climbing plants with large flowers.

The most widely grown species is  Tecomanthe ‘Roaring Meg’ sometimes commonly referred to as ‘Fraser Island Climber’.

This is a very attractive pink creeper or climber from Fraser Island and nearby areas in Queensland.

A few named cultivars are also available including Tecomanthe Island Belle which is a T. hillii type.

Although these are a tropical to sub tropical plant they can be grown in cooler climates provided that an appropriate warm and protected micro climate is maintained. In cooler areas growth habit will be slower which can be an advantage if you are considering growing in containers.

How To Grow Tecomanth Hillii – Basic Care

Best grown in a moist soil in a position where the root system is kept cool and the vine is allowed to climb and scramble through taller trees and shrubs.

Although this is vigorous or fast growing vine it is easy care. It can be grown in the garden or in a container.
The right conditions for good growth are:

2. A moist well drained soil.
3. Allow the soil to dry a little between waterings.
4. Water during active growth from spring through to autumn.
5. Hold back on watering during winter.
6. A soil that is a little on the acidic side.
7. Mulch around the plant to maintain a cool root run.
8. Use a low phosphate fertiliser in spring.
9. A warm protected position, so protected from cold wind and frosts.
10. Good morning sun and light afternoon shade. The actual amount of sun depends on the climate, the hotter the climate the more light shade. The right amount of sun will give the plant a more bushy growth habit.

Top Tips

• Keep the plant away from concrete, pathways, buildings and cemeteries planters, as these contains lime and this plant treats badly to lime.
• Ensure drainage is good, constantly wet root systems will cause problems.
• Provide a trellis or similar for support.
• Leggy Tecomanth Hillii plants are usually the result of too much shade.

Other Species

• T. dendrophila is the ‘New Guinea Trumpet Vine’, best suited to true tropical climates.
• T. montana is also from New Guinea (pink flowers with yellow centres).
• T. speciosa or the ‘Three Kings Vine’ is from New Zealand and has large white – yellow trumpet shaped flowers, rare and endangered, and not offered for sale in Australia.