Quisqualis indica - Rangoon creeper

Quisqualis indica, better known as Rangoon Creeper, is a vigorous tropical climber with captivating, fragrant tricolour flowering. Its clusters of flowers, blending white, pink and red, are a delight to enjoy throughout summer. With rapid growth in warm climates, this tropical plant can cover a pergola, trellis or sunny wall in gardens of the Mediterranean coast. Elsewhere, in a pot, it will be more modest but will add character to your terrace or conservatory. You will need to protect it from the cold in winter.

Quisqualis indica, sometimes called Drunken Sailor, is a woody climber belonging to the Combretaceae family. Native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and tropical Africa, particularly the Indian subcontinent, Malaysia and the Philippines, this plant has become widely naturalised in other tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. It is mainly found on forest edges, in open areas or along watercourses, where it benefits from high humidity and generous sunlight. Quisqualis indica thrives in warm, humid climates. It prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil and a sunny to partially shaded position, sheltered from strong winds. In tropical climates, this climber grows vigorously and can quickly cover large areas thanks to its twining stems, which naturally twine around supports. It is a fast-growing plant, reaching 8 to 10 metres in height and 3 to 5 metres in spread in its natural habitat. Under a true Mediterranean climate, its growth remains significant but more moderate, reaching 4 to 6 metres in height and 2 to 3 metres in spread when planted in the ground. Grown in a pot, it typically reaches 2 to 3 metres, depending on the container size and care provided.
Its opposite, elliptical to oblong leaves measure between 10 and 20 cm long. Their slightly leathery texture and bright green hue enhance the plant's lush appearance. The foliage is evergreen in tropical climates but may become semi-evergreen to deciduous in cooler temperatures. Its long tubular flowers are one of its major assets. Arranged in pendulous clusters, they emit an intense, sweet fragrance, particularly in the evening. Their unique feature is that they change colour over time: they open white, turn pink, then red within days, with several shades coexisting on the same inflorescence. Flowering is mainly in summer in our climates, but can last year-round in tropical regions. The root system of Quisqualis indica is deep and well-anchored, allowing it to withstand drought once established. However, the plant remains sensitive to strong winds, which can damage its twining stems if not securely attached to a support.

Quisqualis indica is prized as much for its ornamental character as for its traditional medicinal properties. In Asia, its seeds and leaves are used in herbal medicine, notably for their anthelmintic effects, hence its nickname "Drunken Sailor".

Planted in a large pot during the warmer months, Rangoon Creeper deserves a prime spot on the most sheltered façade of the house or on a large sheltered balcony. It can be used in countless ways in very mild climate gardens, to adorn an arbour, cover a sheltered wall, trellis or south-facing façade. Pair it with other exotic climbers such as passionflowers and black-eyed Susans, for example. This exotic plant requires complete protection from frost during its first years of cultivation. Once well-established, its protected crown can withstand light frosts.