Campsis radicans (Trumpet Vine) Care & Growing Guide

Overview

Campsis radicans, commonly known as trumpet vine or trumpet creeper, is a vigorous, deciduous climbing plant native to Eastern North America. Renowned for its striking, trumpet-shaped orange to red flowers, it is a favorite for attracting hummingbirds and pollinators. This plant’s robust growth habit makes it ideal for covering trellises, fences, or walls, but it requires mindful management to prevent unwanted spread. In some regions, it is considered invasive outdoors.

Trumpet vine thrives in bright, indirect light and moderate watering, making it adaptable for both outdoor gardens and large indoor conservatories when given adequate support for climbing.

Identification & Growth Habit

Campsis radicans is a fast-growing, woody perennial vine that can climb 30–40 feet (9–12 m) or more when mature. It climbs by aerial rootlets that cling to surfaces. The leaves are pinnate, typically with 7–11 serrated leaflets, and the plant produces clusters of tubular flowers in summer. Its growth is both climbing and trailing, depending on the support provided.

Without support, stems may sprawl along the ground, rooting at nodes. With a trellis, arbor, or wall, it will ascend rapidly, producing dense foliage and prolific blooms.

Light & Placement

For optimal flowering, place trumpet vine in bright, indirect light. It tolerates some direct morning sun, which can enhance bloom production, but protect it from intense afternoon sun indoors to avoid leaf scorch. Outdoors, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, with full sun encouraging the most abundant flowering.

• Indoors: Position near an east- or south-facing window with filtered light.
• Outdoors: Choose a sunny location with sturdy support.

Watering & Humidity

Water when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry. Keep soil consistently moist during the active growing season (spring and summer) but avoid waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.

Moderate humidity is preferred, though trumpet vine adapts to average indoor humidity. Mist occasionally or use a humidity tray if indoor air is very dry.

Soil & Repotting

Use a well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). Incorporating organic matter such as compost improves fertility and drainage. Ensure containers have drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Repot container-grown trumpet vines every 2–3 years or when roots become crowded. Choose a heavy pot to counterbalance the vine’s top growth and prevent tipping.

Fertilizing

Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nitrogen can promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Suspend feeding in autumn and winter.

Pruning & Training

Pruning is essential to control size, encourage flowering, and maintain structure. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove dead, damaged, or weak stems, and cut back lateral shoots to 2–3 buds to stimulate strong flowering shoots.

Training on Supports

• Trellis: Tie young shoots loosely to the structure until aerial roots take hold.
• Moss pole or arbor: Guide stems upward and outward for even coverage.
• Wall training: Use garden ties or clips; avoid damaging masonry with rootlets where possible.

Propagation

Stem Cuttings (Spring/Summer)

1. Take 4–6 inch (10–15 cm) cuttings from healthy, non-flowering shoots.
2. Remove lower leaves, leaving 2–3 at the tip.
3. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
4. Plant in a pot with moist, well-draining potting mix.
5. Cover with a clear plastic bag or dome to maintain humidity.
6. Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist until roots develop (4–8 weeks).

Layering

1. Select a low, flexible stem.
2. Gently wound a small section of the stem and bury it in soil, leaving the tip exposed.
3. Secure with a U-shaped pin or small stone.
4. Keep the buried section moist; roots should form in several weeks to months.
5. Once rooted, sever from the parent plant and transplant.

Common Problems

Pests

• Aphids: Cause distorted growth; control with insecticidal soap or a strong water spray.
• Scale insects: Appear as small bumps; remove manually or treat with horticultural oil.
• Spider mites: Fine webbing and stippled leaves; increase humidity and use miticide if needed.

Diseases

• Powdery mildew: White powdery coating; improve air circulation and treat with fungicide if severe.
• Root rot: Caused by overwatering; ensure well-draining soil and adjust watering habits.

Toxicity & Pet Safety

Warning: Campsis radicans is toxic if ingested and its sap can cause mild skin irritation in some individuals. Keep away from pets and children, and wear gloves when pruning or handling the plant.

Styling & Decor Tips

Trumpet vine’s bold flowers and lush foliage make it a dramatic focal point in gardens or large indoor spaces. Outdoors, it can create a living screen or shade over pergolas. Indoors, it suits sunrooms or atriums with ample vertical space and strong supports. Pair with complementary flowering plants for seasonal color contrast.

Varieties & Cultivars

• Campsis radicans ‘Flava’: Yellow-flowered form.
• Campsis radicans ‘Apricot’: Soft apricot-orange blooms.
• Campsis radicans ‘Madame Galen’: Hybrid with larger, salmon-red flowers (C. radicans × C. grandiflora).

Buying Tips & Maturity

When purchasing, look for healthy, pest-free plants with strong stems and vibrant leaves. Avoid specimens with wilted foliage or signs of disease. Trumpet vine grows rapidly; even small plants can establish quickly in the right conditions. Mature plants can flower profusely within 2–3 years when grown in full sun.

Seasonal Care

• Spring: Prune before new growth; begin regular watering and feeding.
• Summer: Maintain consistent moisture; enjoy peak flowering; watch for pests.
• Autumn: Reduce feeding; remove spent blooms; prepare for dormancy.
• Winter: Water sparingly; protect from frost if in containers; plant is deciduous and will lose leaves.

FAQ

• Q: How fast does trumpet vine grow?
  A: Under ideal conditions, it can grow several feet per year, quickly covering supports.
• Q: Can I grow trumpet vine indoors?
  A: Yes, if you have ample light, space, and sturdy support. It is better suited to sunrooms or greenhouses.
• Q: When does it bloom?
  A: Typically blooms from mid-summer to early autumn, with peak flowering in full sun.
• Q: Is trumpet vine invasive?
  A: In some regions, it can spread aggressively outdoors. Check local guidelines before planting.
• Q: How do I encourage more flowers?
  A: Provide full sun, avoid excessive nitrogen, and prune in late winter to stimulate flowering wood.

Source: Wikipedia