Consulta Plantas

Care of the climbing plant Macfadyena unguis-cati or Cats claw creeper

The genus Macfadyena, family Bignoniaceae, comprises 40 species of trees and climbing shrubs native to the American continent. Some species are: Macfadyena unguis-cati, Macfadyena cymanchoides, Macfadyena bifolia, Macfadyena hispida, Macfadyena undulata.

Common names: Cats claw creeper, Funnel creeper, Cat's claw trumpet. This species is native to Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

They are fast growing climbing shrubs with thin stems and compact bearing. The leaves are evergreen (deciduous in cold climates), opposite and ovate-acuminate in shape. The large, abundant yellow flowers are funnel-shaped. They bloom in late spring and early summer. They produce fruits in the shape of a long and narrow capsule.

They are very interesting plants for Mediterranean climate gardens to cover walls due to their abundant flowering, although it only lasts a few weeks. It is also possible to grow them in pots.

Macfadyena unguis-cati needs full sun exposure and temperatures that do not drop below 7 ºC (44.6 ºF). They can also grow in light shade.

The soil must drain well and contain organic matter (leaf mulch, for example).

Water regularly but with little water; it resists drought quite well. In winter reduce watering.

Fertilize with manure in spring to late summer.

Prune lightly in late winter to strengthen the plant and cause side shoots. Their growth must be monitored because they can become invasive.

They are easy to grow plants and resistant to the usual pests and diseases.

They propagate from seeds, by layering or by semi-woody cuttings in summer.

Images of the climbing plant Macfadyena unguis-cati or Cats claw creeper