The chilean glory flower is a popular garden vine, prized mostly as a screen plant. With its showy tubular flowers, it attracts hummingbirds that feast on its flower nectar. The British Royal Horticultural Society has given this plant the prestigious Award of Garden Merit. It grows very rapidly and it’s considered a weed in New Zealand.
I. Appearance and CharacteristicsÂ
Eccremocarpus scaber, the Chilean glory-flower or Chilean glory creeper, is a species of perennial plant in the Bignoniaceae family.
Chilean glory creeper vines tend to prefer forest edges, roadsides and waste areas where there is abundant sun and the ability to drain well, being located on the outskirts it can tolerate some shade. Areas such as the North Island and warmer temperatures of the south island i.e. Canterbury, southland and central Otago.
Native to Chile these include Chilean Andes, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, the Americas and Mediterranean Europe (tropical climates).
This climbing vine is considered a weed in New Zealand which is recognised by the National Pest Plant Accord. It gets this reputation due to its rapid growth and large amounts of seed production, combined with the nature of its growth habits i.e. covering growth of smaller plants and trees which can be of native species. Varieties with pink, yellow or deep scarlet flowers are also available.
Chilean glory creepers are a many branched perennial vine or climbing shrub with a woody base that is evergreen or deciduous in colder climates. The plant has thin pinnate leaves alternating on the stem and leaflets that are light green. The leaves can have small fine hairs but are mostly glaborous. Leaves are 2 cm long with the younger branches hosting 2 leaves and the older branches having 3–7 leaflets. Leaf shape is oval with obvious pinnate structured veins, size of leaves may vary.
Flowers consist of a tubular structure with rounded petals rounding back at the tip and bright orange-red outer rings with a red centre. Tendrils have the ability to ‘hook’ onto surroundings for grip and structure support. Flowering from September to May with a glossy, oval wrinkled fruit capsule that contains black seeds and a prominent wing helping with wind dispersal. Fragments of the stem can also spread seeds. The fruit capsule size is roughly 4.5 high by 2 cm girth.
Habitat preferences
Preferring warmer, well-drained areas, they are generally found on the outskirts of forests, roadsides and waste areas requiring a soil pH of 5.5–7.5. These vines thrive wherever conditions are right and so much so they are considered a pest/weed, yet are generally employed as an ornamental.
Grown as an annual plant in New Zealand, it cannot tolerate too-cool climates, nor is it winter hardy. Generally found in the forest outskirts of the North Islands and the South Islands warmer climates of Canterbury and Otago.
Life cycle
The Chilean glory vine is a (half) hardy evergreen perennial vine that flowers in summer, taking around 8 weeks to germinate at 16–21°C. The speed at which growth can occur can be as much as 8–10 feet. Flowering continuously from spring to autumn. At the first planting stage the plants are not hardy enough to survive a harsh winter however if the roots are shaded by another plant and the tops are getting adequate sun they may die down (foliage can survive the winter) and reappear larger and stronger the following year.
They are considered perennials but many gardeners will grow them as annuals. Consisting of four stems and growing in clusters of 4 to 6 inches long, Eccremocarpus scaber flowers from late spring to autumn and can flower the first year if planted early.
II. How to Grow and Care
Watering
Thriving in its native habitat of arid regions, chilean glory flower has adapted to conserve water, making it relatively drought-tolerant. It maintains a balance between hydration and conservation, requiring watering every week to sustain its health without over-saturation. As an evergreen climber, chilean glory flower is often cultivated outdoors where it can ascend towards the light while relying on minimal rainfall to meet its moisture needs.
Fertilizing
To sustain vigorous growth and prolific blooming, chilean glory flower benefits greatly from balanced nutrition fertilizers, ideally with an N-P-K ratio such as 10-10-10. Fertilization should be done monthly during the growing season, tapering off in the dormant winter months. Utilize about half a teaspoon of granular feed per plant, ensuring even soil distribution. This fortifies chilean glory flower’s health, optimizing flower production. Over-fertilization can cause foliage at the expense of blooms, hence careful moderation is crucial. During establishment and peak flowering, regular feeding supports the demanding energy needs of Chilean glory flower. Always water thoroughly post-application to disperse nutrients and curb root burn.
Transplanting
The optimal time to transplant chilean glory flower is typically at the junction of spring and summer, when conditions encourage easy root establishment. Choose a sunny, well-drained location for best growth. A friendly suggestion, be cautious during transplantation as chilean glory flower’s roots are relatively delicate.
Repotting
Repot chilean glory flower, a vigorous climber, every 2-3 years in spring to accommodate its rapid growth. Choose a medium-sized pot with good drainage to support its climbing habit. Post-repotting, ensure bright indirect light and consistent moisture for recovery. With proper care, this unique flowering vine will flourish, showcasing its tubular blooms.
