Campsis Radicans – Vibrant Trumpet-Shaped Flowers

Campsis radicans (also known as Trumpet Vine and Trumpet Creeper) is a fast-growing, woody vine that produces clusters of vibrant trumpet-shaped flowers and can grow up to forty feet (12 m) tall.

It is native to the southeastern region of the United States and attracts hummingbirds.

The Trumpet Vine produces pinnate compound leaves that are four to twelve inches (10 – 30 cm) long, covering the vine with bright green foliage.

The leaves have seven to eleven oval leaflets with serrated edges and are one to four inches (2 – 10 cm) long, and ½ to 1 ½ inches (1 – 3 cm) wide.

The vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers are orange, red, or yellow in color. Flower clusters first bloom in early spring to summer, and are produced continually until early autumn. The tubular flower buds are three to four inches (7-10 cm) long.

As trumpet flowers fade, they are replaced by seed capsules, which are four to eight inches (10-20 cm) long, and hang on the vine through the winter. Aerial roots run along the stems and attach themselves tightly to surfaces.

Campsis radicans is a fast growing vine that requires some type of support, such as a trellis, fence, or pole. Avoid structures due to the adhesive substance (which can ruin paint surfaces) that the aerial roots use to cement themselves to surfaces.

Trumpet Vine - Growing Information and Plant Care Tips

USDA Hardiness Zone

USDA Zone 4 - 10

Lighting

Full sun to partial shade.

Watering

During the first growing season, keep the soil moist to a one inch depth. In absence of rain, supplemental watering once a week may be required.

Once established, needs only occasional

Fertilizer

Apply a balanced fertilizer in the early spring and then again six to eight weeks later.

Propagation

Trumpet Creeper can be propagated from division, seeds, and stem cuttings. The best time to propagate is in the fall or spring. Allow pods to dry on the vine, and then break open the pods to collect seeds.

Soil

Prefers rich, well-draining soil.

Pruning

Campsis radicans will quickly cover trellises, fences and other supports. Prune as needed to control size. The best time to prune is in the summer after flowering; however, additional pruning may be necessary to control vigorous growth.

Cultivars / Varieties

'Crimson Trumpet' - Has red flowers and is a vigorous growing variety.

'Flava' - Has yellow or yellow-orange flowers and is one of the more popular species.

'Madame Galen' - A hybrid with bright orange-yellow flowers that bloom throughout the summer.

'Variegata' - Features white-marked leaves and orange flowers.

How to Propagate Campsis radicans

Select several semi-hardwood cuttings from a healthy, mature trumpet vine.

1. Take four to six inch cuttings from the tips of the vine's lateral stems. Each cutting should have a minimum of four sets of leaves.
2. Trim the leaves in half and place the cuttings in water while you prepare the rooting pots.
   
3. Combine equal parts of horticultural sand and compost. Fill a two gallon pot with the mixture. Water it to a depth of six inches.
4. Insert the cuttings into the soil. Bury one-half of their length in the soil. Plant the cuttings two inches apart.
5. Place a clear plastic bag over the top of the pot. Place the pot in a bright location away from direct sunlight. Temperature should remain above 50° F.
6. Water the soil to a depth of four inches every two days. Do not allow potting soil to dry out.
7. Plant the trumpet vine cuttings outdoors in a sunny location after the last frost of the following spring.