Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade; avoid reflected heat from west-facing walls. Aim for 6 hours of sun when temperatures are moderate.
Water: Water deeply and regularly, keeping the root zone evenly moist but never soggy. Check frequently during extreme summer heat, especially in containers; reduce watering in winter.
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost; slightly acidic to neutral soil is preferred. Mulch roots, keeping mulch away from the stem.
Mature size: 15–30 feet long, spreading 6–15 feet or more on a support; can be maintained smaller with pruning.
Bloom: Typically flowers from spring through fall, with flowering and fruit set often reduced during Phoenix’s hottest weather.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in frost-free conditions; may lose leaves or suffer stem dieback during winter freezes.
Growth rate: Fast with adequate warmth, moisture, and nutrition; slower during extreme heat or cold.