How non native does this spectacular flower look?! It is the flower of the Fraser Island Vine or Tecomanthe hillii a gentle climber which is endemic to North Eastern Queensland.
![](https://malleedesign.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/P1490053.jpg)
Tecomanthe hillii enjoys fun sun to part shade in a warm sheltered position. The specimen in these photos is growing on a post underneath a clear decking roof in a large pot, it is quite happy.
![](https://malleedesign.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/P1490067.jpg)
The dark pink bell flowers appear in early Spring in clusters which hang down off the vine after unfurling showy from big chunky buds.
![](https://malleedesign.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/P1490050-1024x683.jpg)
The flowers attract bees, butterflies, pollinating insects and small birds and grow on the old woody stems which makes for an interesting combination of texture and colour.
![](https://malleedesign.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/P1490057.jpg)
The leaves are large and glossy green making it an attractive climber without the flowers. It looks great climbing up a post wrapping around or is gentle enough to train up a tree.
![](https://malleedesign.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/P1490033-1024x683.jpg)
This is an unusual native plant which works in well in a tropical or rainforest garden or as a specimen in a pot for a small courtyard, give it a try!
Leave a Reply