Trumpet vine Campsis radicans
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as trumpet vine is a vigorous and fast-growing climber often seen spreading across trellises, walls, and other surfaces. Its most striking feature is the flamboyant trumpet-shaped flowers, which showcase a vibrant orange to red hue. These flowers are large and showy, making the plant a favored choice for adding a splash of color to vertical spaces. The foliage of the trumpet vine is equally attractive with glossy, dark green leaves. Each leaf is pinnately compound, meaning it comprises several smaller leaflets arranged along a central stem. These leaflets have a toothed margin, which adds a textured look to the foliage. Apart from flowers and leaves, the plant also produces seed pods after the flowering season. The pods are elongated and bean-like, hanging down from the branches, and upon ripening, they release numerous winged seeds. Throughout the blooming period, trumpet vine can attract a host of pollinators, including hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, who are drawn to its nectar-rich blooms. The vine's twining and climbing habit allows it to cover structures and create dense layers of greenery interspersed with the brightly colored flowers. While beautiful, the trumpet vine is also known for its aggressive growth, and without regular maintenance, it can get quite unruly. This characteristic must be considered when planting it in a garden or near buildings, as it can dominate spaces and even cause damage if not properly managed.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Bignoniaceae
Synonyms
Trumpet Vine, Trumpet Creeper, Cow Itch Vine, Hummingbird Vine
Common names
Bignonia radicans, Tecoma radicans.
ToxicityTo humans
The Trumpet Vine, or Campsis radicans, is generally considered to be of low toxicity to humans. However, if ingested, this plant can cause mild to severe digestive upset including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, particularly with sensitive individuals or if a large amount has been consumed, more serious symptoms could occur.
To pets
The Trumpet Vine is also known to be of low to moderate toxicity to pets, such as dogs and cats. Ingesting parts of this plant can lead to gastrointestinal upset for pets, which may manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If you suspect your pet has ingested Trumpet Vine, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian, especially if severe symptoms or concerning behavior is observed.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange-red
Height
30 feet (9 meters)
Spread
30 feet (9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Southeastern United States
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: Campsis radicans, commonly known as Trumpet Vine, is known for attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees with its vibrant flowers, aiding in pollination.
- Ornamental Value: With its showy, trumpet-shaped flowers and lush foliage, Trumpet Vine is often used as an ornamental plant to beautify walls, fences, and trellises.
- Shade Provider: Its dense growth can provide a natural shade, which can be beneficial in creating cooler areas in gardens during hot weather.
- Erosion Control: Trumpet Vine's extensive root system can help stabilize soil and control erosion on slopes or banks.
- Easy to Grow: Trumpet Vine is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of soils and conditions with minimal care.
- Fast Growth: It is a fast-growing vine that can quickly cover structures, creating green spaces in a relatively short time.
- Privacy Screen: When planted along fences or walls, Trumpet Vine can act as a living privacy screen, blocking unwanted views and adding greenery to urban environments.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Trumpet vine's dense foliage can be used as a privacy screen when grown on fences or trellises, effectively blocking views from neighboring properties.
- Its rapid growth and prolific flowering can provide quick coverage for arbors or pergolas, offering shade and a charming aesthetic.
- The plant's vigorous climbing habit makes it useful for covering up unsightly structures, such as old sheds or chain-link fences.
- Trumpet vine can be trained to grow along cables or strong wires to create a living, floral canopy over walkways or sitting areas.
- The woody vines of mature trumpet vines can be used in rustic crafts and furniture making, offering a natural and unique material.
- Its bright orange to red flowers can serve as a natural dye source for fabrics and crafting materials.
- The seed pods, when dried, can be used in decorative floral arrangements or as part of craft projects for texture and visual interest.
- Gardeners can use the plant to attract and support local wildlife, as its nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds and bees.
- A trumpet vine can act as a natural sound barrier when planted densely along highways or other noisy areas, absorbing some of the sounds.
- When planted strategically, the vine can also be used for erosion control on slopes or banks, as its roots help to stabilize the soil.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Trumpet Vine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Trumpet Vine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Vitality and Life: Campsis radicans, commonly known as Trumpet Vine, bursts with vigorous growth and lush, trumpet-shaped flowers, symbolizing strong life force and vitality.
- Attraction: Trumpet Vine's vibrant flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, representing allure and the power of attraction.
- Survival and Perseverance: As a hardy plant that can thrive in various conditions, the Trumpet Vine epitomizes resilience and the ability to overcome obstacles.
- Connection and Unity: The way Trumpet Vine climbs and covers structures symbolizes interconnectedness and the idea of bringing individuals together in unity.
WaterTrumpet vine (Campsis radicans) prefers even moisture and should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one to two gallons of water to the surrounding soil. During hot or dry periods, increase the frequency to twice a week ensuring that the water penetrates the soil to reach the plant's deep roots. It's crucial to avoid overwatering, as trumpet vine is tolerant of some drought and does not like to sit in waterlogged soil. During the winter months when the plant is dormant, reduce watering significantly to prevent root rot.
LightTrumpet vine thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. The best spot for trumpet vine would be a location where it can receive ample sunlight throughout the day, such as against a south-facing wall or fence. While it is adaptable to some shade, too little sunlight can inhibit blooming and lead to a leggy plant.
TemperatureTrumpet vine is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from winter lows around 30°F to summer highs well above 90°F. The ideal temperature range for robust growth is between 60°F and 80°F. It is capable of surviving in temperatures as low as -30°F when established, which makes it suitable for many temperate climates.
PruningPruning trumpet vine is essential to control its growth and encourage more prolific blooming. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune by cutting back the previous year’s growth to several buds to shape the plant and maintain its size. Pruning can also be done after flowering to remove any undesirable or overgrown shoots. Trumpet vine can be pruned annually or biennially depending on the growth rate and the gardener's preference.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Trumpet Vine, or Campsis radicans, thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. A good mix might include equal parts of loam, peat, and sharp sand to ensure drainage. Organic matter such as compost also benefits the Trumpet Vine, encouraging vigorous growth and flowering.
RepottingTrumpet Vine, or Campsis radicans, being a vigorous climber, does not typically require frequent repotting. It can usually be repotted every 3 to 5 years or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingTrumpet Vine, or Campsis radicans, is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and can thrive in the average ambient outdoor humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part-shade and train on structures.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Trumpet Vine, or Campsis radicans, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after germination in spring, develops into a seedling with a simple root system and a few leaves. It then enters a vigorous vegetative growth phase, where it quickly establishes a more robust root system and begins to climb or sprawl, depending on available support, developing compound leaves and woody stems. During the summer months, mature plants will produce clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers, typically vibrant orange or red, which are pollinated by hummingbirds and other insects. After pollination, the flowers develop into elongated seed pods that mature and release winged seeds in the fall. The Trumpet Vine is a perennial, so once established, it will enter a period of dormancy during the winter months, losing its leaves until the warmer temperatures and longer days in the spring stimulate new growth cycles. As a hardy plant, it can live for many years, continuously growing, flowering, and producing seeds.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Trumpet vine, or Campsis radicans, is often propagated by cuttings in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The most popular method is using semi-hardwood cuttings, which are sections of the vine's stem that have matured partially but are not completely woody. To propagate, a gardener should take a 4 to 6 inch cutting (10 to 15 cm) just below a leaf node, strip the leaves from the lower half, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root development. It is then placed in a moist potting mix, ensuring at least one node is beneath the soil surface where roots can form. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment until roots have developed, after which it can be transplanted outdoors once the risk of frost has passed and the ground is warm.
