The Trumpet Vine Plant: Colorful and Versatile Addition in Garden

The trumpet vine (campsis radicans) is sometimes referred to as trumpet creeper or the chalice vine because of its flowers that are shaped like a trumpet or chalice. It proliferates and produces bright blossoms in various colors, notably a highly prized and sought-after deep red. These flowers are beautiful to Hummingbirds and will draw them to your yard for your viewing enjoyment.

Trumpet vine matures within three to five years and will begin producing flowers during that time. Trumpet vine flowers bloom in the summer and early fall. This vine grows best when planted in a location with lots of access to sunlight. Some shade is acceptable, but one will achieve the most flowers if the vine gets plenty of direct light. After flowering, trumpet vines produce bright green seed pods, which should be removed to prevent the vine from spreading to undesired areas.

The vines are woody and robust enough to survive winter in areas and climates where surrounding plants typically do not. Trumpet vine does best in well-draining soil but can thrive in nearly any soil type and grows quickly and easily. It can experience as much as 30 to 40 feet of growth per season and therefore does best when carefully pruned and maintained. A sturdy support structure is recommended to keep it growing in your preferred direction and can create a beautiful visual effect once the plant reaches full maturity.

Beyond simple pruning to keep the vine within the desired growth area, trumpet vines require minimal care. They thrive with just water, and fertilizer is generally unnecessary. This vine should be pruned in the spring to remove seed pods and direct the vine's growth as needed, though fall is also a good time for such care.