Rangoon Creeper (Combretum indicum, syn. Quisqualis indica) is a much-loved fragrant climber across India, famous for clusters of tubular flowers that open white, turn pink and deepen to red over a few days, giving multi-coloured bunches. The sweet evening scent perfumes gardens and balconies through the warm and monsoon months. A vigorous woody climber, it quickly covers walls, arches and pergolas with fresh green foliage and attracts butterflies and moths. Easy and rewarding in tropical conditions, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Prune after flowering to control its size and to encourage dense, bloom-laden new growth.
Specifications
| Family |
Combretaceae |
| Native region |
Tropical Asia |
| Mature height |
4-8 m as a climber |
| Mature spread |
2-4 m |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
| Foliage |
Evergreen to semi-deciduous green leaves |
| Flower colour |
White ageing to pink then red |
| Flower season |
Warm and monsoon months |
| Climate zone |
Tropical to subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun for best flowering and fragrance. |
| Watering |
Moderate; water regularly, reduce in monsoon. |
| Soil / mix |
Fertile, well-drained loam. |
| Temperature |
Thrives 20-38C; protect from frost. |
| Humidity |
Likes warm, humid conditions. |
| Fertilizer |
Feed monthly with balanced/flowering fertilizer. |
| Pruning |
Prune after flowering to shape and boost bloom. |
| Repotting |
Best in ground; repot large pots every 1-2 years. |
| Propagation |
Cuttings, layering or root suckers. |
| Pests & problems |
Generally hardy; occasional caterpillars, aphids. |
| Toxicity / safety |
Low toxicity; seeds traditionally medicinal. |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
<p>Ideal for covering walls, arches, pergolas and gates with fragrant, colour-changing blooms; a classic Indian garden and balcony climber that attracts pollinators.</p>
Growing tips
<p>In India give it full sun, a strong support and a hard prune after the main flush; it flowers on new growth, so regular pruning means more fragrant blooms.</p>