Question
I just purchased an orange cape honeysuckle. I am confused about it's invasive potential. does it have a large invasive root system? Or just sucker at times? I want to plant it by a fence with other plants, a ligustrum tree, plumeria, and a couple foxtail palms, but I don't want it to strangle anything. A few people on the internet have said how horrible it is, suckers everywhere and takes over the yard, strangles your other plants. Are people on the internet confusing it with japenese honeysuckle which is supposedly very invasive? I am afraid to plant it now. I am coastal florida, daytona beach area. Would a large container be better? Thanks.

Answer
Hi Patricia,
Thanx for your question.  The cape honeysuckle, Tecoma capensis can be extremely invasive multiplying itself by suckering and by long roots that get into everything. The Audubon Society of South Florida considers this plant to be invasive.  Many South Floridians regret using it as it quickly gets out of control and is difficult to eradicate.  This plant is also considered invasive in Arizona, California and Texas.  It is a native of South Africa that has been naturalized in the deep South and West Coast.  I would not consider using it.

http://www.browardaudubon.org/Invasive_Plants.html

As a former resident of Florida, I can attest to the many problems the state has had with invasive species of plant and animal being introduced into the local biosphere with oftentimes disastrous results.  Please access the Florida Native Plant Society for plant suggestions that are good for Florida.

http://www.fnps.org/

The one thing about the cape honeysuckle is, it will root wherever it touches the ground.

I hope this helps.
Tom