Bomarea: The Climbing Beauty That’s Worth the Challenge
If you’re looking to add some exotic flair to your garden, you might want to consider bomarea – a stunning climbing vine that’s sure to turn heads. While not as common as your typical garden climbers, this South American native brings a touch of tropical elegance that’s hard to resist.
What Exactly Is Bomarea?
Bomarea is a genus of climbing vines belonging to the amaryllis family. These plants are native to the mountainous regions of South and Central America, stretching from Colombia down to Chile through the Andes. Think of them as the sophisticated cousins of more common climbing plants – they’re beautiful, but they definitely have their preferences!
What makes bomarea special are its tubular flowers that come in vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink. The blooms often have intricate patterns and markings that make them look almost hand-painted. The foliage is equally attractive, with lance-shaped leaves that create a lush backdrop for those show-stopping flowers.
Should You Grow Bomarea in Your Garden?
Here’s the honest truth: bomarea isn’t for everyone. This is definitely a plant for gardeners who enjoy a challenge and have the right growing conditions. Here are some things to consider:
The Good News:
- Absolutely stunning flowers that are real conversation starters
- Attracts hummingbirds – always a garden bonus!
- Unique addition that most of your neighbors won’t have
- Can be grown in containers in cooler climates
The Reality Check:
- Can be finicky about growing conditions
- Limited cold tolerance (USDA zones 9-11, possibly zone 8 with protection)
- May be difficult to find at typical garden centers
- Requires specific care to thrive
Creating the Perfect Home for Your Bomarea
If you’re up for the challenge, here’s what your bomarea needs to be happy:
Location, Location, Location
Think mountain meadow when choosing a spot. Bomarea prefers partial shade to filtered light – it doesn’t want to bake in full sun all day. Morning sun with afternoon shade is often ideal.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is absolutely essential. These plants hate wet feet, so if your soil tends to stay soggy, consider raised beds or containers. A slightly acidic to neutral pH works best.
Support System
As a climbing vine, bomarea needs something to climb on. Trellises, arbors, or even a sturdy fence will work. Just make sure whatever you choose can handle a vigorous climber!
Care Tips for Happy Bomarea
Watering Wisdom
Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Think of it like this: your bomarea wants a drink, not a swimming pool. Mulching around the base helps maintain consistent moisture and keeps the roots cool.
Feeding Your Climber
A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in spring should keep your bomarea well-fed throughout the growing season. Don’t overdo it – these plants prefer moderate nutrition.
Winter Care
In zones 9-11, bomarea can often stay outdoors year-round with some protection during cold snaps. In cooler areas, container growing allows you to bring plants indoors or into a greenhouse during winter.
The Wildlife Connection
One of the best reasons to grow bomarea is its appeal to hummingbirds. Those tubular flowers are perfectly designed for these tiny garden visitors, and you’ll likely find yourself with regular hummingbird activity once your bomarea starts blooming.
Native Alternatives to Consider
Since bomarea isn’t native to North America, you might also want to consider some native climbing alternatives that offer similar benefits:
- Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) for hummingbird appeal
- Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) for tubular flowers
- Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) for red blooms that attract hummingbirds
The Bottom Line
Bomarea is definitely a specialty plant that rewards patient, experienced gardeners with spectacular blooms and hummingbird visits. If you have the right growing conditions and don’t mind a plant that requires some attention to detail, it can be a stunning addition to your garden. Just remember – this isn’t a plant it and forget it kind of vine, but for many gardeners, the payoff in beauty and wildlife activity makes it absolutely worth the effort!
