Pyrostegia Venusta

Flame Vine / Orange Trumpet Vine / Orange Trumpet Creeper / Golden Shower / Flame Creeper / Flaming Trumpet

Botanical Name: Pyrostegia venusta
Family: Bignoniaceae
Origin: Brazil to northern South America
Plant Type: Climber & Vine

Overview

A sensational winter-flowering climber for Adelaide and South Australian gardens, blanketing fences and pergolas with cascades of vivid orange trumpet blooms. Fast-growing and sun-loving, Orange Trumpet Vine brings colour when most plants are quiet, then holds neat green foliage through the warmer months. Ideal for quick screening, coastal sites and low-maintenance, high-impact displays.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 5–8 m H × 2–4 m W (with support)
• Growth Rate: 60-120 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Mid-green, evergreen trifoliate leaves; tidy, dense cover
• Flowers: Large clusters of bright orange tubular blooms late autumn to early spring (May–Sept in SA)
  
• Seasonal Interest: Winter-to-early-spring flower fireworks followed by a lush, evergreen screen through summer and autumn
• Wildlife Value: Attracts Bees; Attracts Birds; Attracts Butterflies; Good for Pollinators
• Tolerance: Heat-Tolerant; Drought-Tolerant (once established); Coastal-Tolerant; Wind-Tolerant; Light Frost tolerant (protect from hard frosts); Clay-Tolerant if drainage is good
• Planting Density: Fence/trellis: 1 plant per 1–2 m of run. Pergola/pillar: 1 plant per post
• Pet Friendly: Generally regarded as non-toxic to pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (essential for peak flowering); light shade reduces bloom
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; improve heavy clay for drainage
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Prune hard after flowering (late winter/early spring) to control size and encourage new flowering wood; train to strong support; mulch in spring; light feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 15-25 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA, including coastal Adelaide and warm, frost-sheltered suburbs
• Soil pH: Slightly acid to neutral (tolerates mildly alkaline with good drainage)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Instant colour screen for fences, lattice and pool enclosures
• Pergola or arbor cover to create a glowing winter “ceiling” of orange trumpets
• Retaining wall spillover or feature on mailboxes/entry arbors for bold kerb appeal

Why You Will Love It

When most gardens are muted, this vine erupts with brilliant orange blooms that stop traffic. It’s fast, forgiving and low-maintenance, delivering year-round coverage and spectacular winter colour perfectly suited to South Australian conditions.