Rangoon Creeper (Combretum indicum): Color-Changing Fragrant Vine

Rangoon creeper (Combretum indicum, syn. Quisqualis indica) is a vigorous, twining vine prized for its clusters of tubular flowers that open white, turn pink, and finally deep red—all three colors often present simultaneously. The flowers are intensely fragrant, especially at night.

Habit

This tropical vine can climb 20–30 feet or more, covering arbors, pergolas, and fences with dense, glossy green foliage. It blooms from late spring through fall in warm climates. The flowers are followed by small, elliptical fruits with five wings.

Care

Full sun to part shade; rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly. Provide strong support. Prune after flowering to control size. Hardy in zones 10–11; in zone 9, it may die back but resprout. Can be grown as an annual in cooler areas.

Taxonomy

• Family: Combretaceae
• Genus: Combretum
• Species: indica
• Synonym: Quisqualis indica