Trumpet vine

Climber

Campsis radicans

Trumpet vine

A vigorous self-clinging climber with clusters of orange-red trumpet flowers loved by hummingbirds in its native America.

  • Full sun, Partial shade
  • 9–12 m (30–39 ft)
  • 1.5–3 m (5–10 ft)
  • H5 · Zone 7
  • July–September
  • Deciduous

Overview

Trumpet vine or trumpet creeper is a vigorous deciduous climber that clings by aerial roots, with pinnate leaves and clusters of orange to scarlet trumpets on new growth from mid to late summer. Long bean-like seed pods follow.

It is hardy to about −15°C (5°F), USDA zones 4–10, but flowers best after long, hot summers; in cool, short summers it may flower sparsely. In its native eastern USA it is a hummingbird plant and can become invasive through suckers and seed.

Plant on a strong support in full sun and prune hard each late winter.

At a Glance

Sun Full sun, Partial shade
Height 9–12 m (30–39 ft)
Spread 1.5–3 m (5–10 ft)
Hardiness H5 · Zone 7
Flowers July–September
Soil Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture Moist well drained
Habit Spreading, Upright
Water Moderate
Maintenance Moderate

Growing Conditions

Min. Temperature -15°C (5°F)
pH Range 5.5–8
Fertility Average
Drainage Free Draining

Aspect Suitability

  • South-facing
  • West-facing

Site Tolerance

  • Drought

Soil Tolerance

  • Clay
  • Chalk
  • Sandy
  • Loam
  • Acid
  • Neutral pH
  • Alkaline

Foliage

Persistence Deciduous
Colour Green
Leaf shape / texture pinnate

Foliage interest: May–October

Seasonal Timeline

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowering
Foliage
Fruiting
Propagate
  • Flowering Jul Aug Sep
  • Foliage May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
  • Fruiting Sep Oct Nov
  • Propagate Feb Mar Jul Aug

How to propagate

Ways to grow more Trumpet vine:

Root cuttings Jan Easy

You'll need: Sharp knife, gritty compost

  1. Lift a pencil-thick root while dormant
  2. Cut 5 cm (2 in) sections
  3. Insert upright in gritty compost in a cold frame
How long
30 minutes
It's worked when
high
Then
Pot on when shoots appear.
Semi-ripe cuttings Jul Takes a little care

You'll need: Rooting hormone

  1. Take 10 cm (4 in) cuttings
  2. Dip in hormone
  3. Insert in gritty compost under cover
How long
15 minutes
It's worked when
medium
Then
Overwinter in a cold frame.

Root cuttings or rooted suckers are easiest; semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

Maintenance Calendar

  • Feb Cut last year's side shoots back to two or three buds
  • May Remove suckers from the base
  • Jun Tie in new leaders until self-clinging
  • Sep Remove unwanted seed pods to limit self-seeding

Garden Design

Works well in: Tropical / Exotic, Wildlife-friendly

Clusters of orange-red trumpets on a self-clinging vine for a hot wall, pergola or fence. Needs long hot summers to flower well.

Companion planting: Wisteria, Grape vines, Cannas, Salvias

Wildlife Value

  • Bees
  • Birds

Safety

  • Skin irritant

Low toxicity if eaten, but sap and leaves can cause skin redness and itching (it is nicknamed cow-itch); wear gloves when pruning. Aggressive: suckers and self-seeds, and aerial roots can damage paint and render.