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Tonkin creeper

Telosma cordata

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Tonkin creeper · Telosma cordata

Lightly scented yellow-green flowers on a trellis, eaten stir-fried as a country dish.

Care and placement

Needs 4–6 hours of direct sun (or 6–8 hours of bright indirect light), loose well-drained soil and a sturdy trellis; no waterlogging; the fragrant flowers are edible (stir-fried or in soup).

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 500 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 300 cm

Things to consider

The flowers are eaten cooked (stir-fried or in soup; NParks Singapore); Wikipedia notes the vine is considered poisonous to pigs. Eat only cooked flowers of the correctly identified species, not leaves, stems or seeds, and do not self-medicate.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Plant in sun in loose, well-drained loamy soil; erect a sturdy trellis, mesh or arch since it climbs fast, up to 10 m. A large pot with a small trellis also works.

  2. Light

    Needs sun to flower: 4–6 hours of direct sun (or 6–8 hours of bright indirect light); it will not bloom in shade; reflected heat from concrete can scorch leaves.

  3. Watering

    Likes even moisture while growing (one source: about two deep waterings a week), less when cool; tolerates some drought but not waterlogging.

  4. Feeding

    Fairly undemanding and grows well with little feeding; a balanced fertilizer monthly (NParks) gives a fuller plant.

  5. Pruning

    Prune regularly for airflow and to keep it around 1.5 m for easy picking (NParks); remove old and tangled vines.

  6. Propagation

    Semi-woody cuttings about 30 cm with 3–5 nodes in winter or spring, kept shaded until new growth; seed also works (let pods dry on the plant, then split them). Thin stem tips can rot, so plant a few spare cuttings.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Prone to mealybugs and whiteflies, also aphids and spider mites; ants visit the nectar. Use insecticidal soap or neem and keep good airflow.

  8. For a bigger harvest

    For many flowers to pick: enough sun, a sturdy trellis, steady watering, light monthly feeding, and pruning to a pickable height with good airflow. Flowers open in the evening; pick freshly opened ones for cooking.