Cat’s Claw Creeper Live Plant Best Flowering Creeper – Pack Of 10

Selling size: well-rooted plant | 2.5″ Pot Included | Secure Packing

The Cat’s Claw Creeper Live Plant Best Flowering Creeper ($Dolichandraunguis-cati$) is a fast-growing, woody vine known for its beautiful, trumpet-shaped yellow flowers that bloom profusely in the summer and monsoon seasons. While it’s a popular ornamental plant due to its vigorous growth and attractive flowers, it is considered an invasive species in many parts of the world, including some regions in India. Its name comes from the three-pronged, claw-like tendrils it uses to climb walls and other surfaces.

 Here’s a guide to its care and important considerations:

Key Characteristics

• Botanical Name: $Dolichandraunguis-cati$
• Common Names: Cat’s Claw Creeper, Cat’s Claw Vine, Funnel Creeper
• Plant Type: Perennial woody vine
• Flowers: Bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers that appear in clusters
• Growth Habit: Very aggressive and fast-growing, using its tendrils to cling to surfaces. It can reach heights of 25 feet or more.
• Toxicity: It is considered toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

Care and Maintenance

1. Sunlight:

• The Cat’s Claw Creeper thrives in full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce a profusion of flowers.
• It can tolerate partial shade, but its growth and flowering will be reduced.

2. Soil:

• This plant is not very demanding when it comes to soil, but it prefers well-draining, fertile soil.
• It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy or clay soil, but it does not tolerate waterlogging.

3. Watering:

• Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
• It is drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering will promote faster and more vigorous growth.

4. Fertilizing:

• Feed the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) every 2-3 weeks.
• Reduce or stop fertilizing during the cooler months when the plant’s growth slows down.

5. Pruning and Support:

• This is the most crucial aspect of caring for a Cat’s Claw Creeper. It is an extremely aggressive and fast-growing vine that can quickly take over a garden.
• It needs a strong, sturdy support structure like a trellis, fence, or arbor.
• Aggressive pruning is necessary to control its spread and prevent it from becoming invasive. It is recommended to prune it back to the ground every few years to prevent it from becoming too woody and heavy on its support.
• Regular pruning also helps maintain its shape and encourages healthier growth.

6. Pests and Diseases:

• The Cat’s Claw Creeper is generally pest-resistant.
• Be mindful of potential fungal issues like powdery mildew, which can occur with poor air circulation or overwatering. Ensure good air flow around the plant.

Important Considerations (Invasive Potential)

• The Cat’s Claw Creeper is listed as an invasive species in many regions due to its ability to outcompete and smother native vegetation.
• It produces extensive underground tubers that can be difficult to eradicate, and it also spreads easily through wind-dispersed seeds.
• If you live in an area where it is considered invasive, it’s best to choose a less-aggressive native flowering creeper instead.
• If you do grow it, be extremely diligent with pruning and make sure it does not escape your garden and affect local ecosystems.

Alternative Best Flowering Creepers for Indian Gardens

If you’re looking for a beautiful flowering creeper that is less aggressive, you can consider these popular options:

• Bougainvillea: Known for its vibrant, papery bracts and drought tolerance. It thrives in full sun and is a staple in Indian gardens.
• Rangoon Creeper ($Quisqualisindica$): Also known as Madhumalti, this plant is famous for its fragrant flowers that change from white to pink to red as they mature.
• Jasmine ($Jasminumsambac$): A classic with intensely fragrant white flowers. Perfect for courtyards and balconies.
• Passion Flower ($Passiflora$): Features intricate, exotic blooms. Many varieties are well-suited to the Indian climate.