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Trumpet vine

Campsis radicans

Common names:
trumpet vine, trumpetcreeper, trumpet creeper

Content Detail

Trumpet vine is a woody, clinging vine which attaches itself to structures by aerial rootlets. It can rapidly grow to 30 to 40 feet high. Terminal clusters of 2 to 3 inch-long, red trumpet-shaped flowers attract hummingbirds throughout the summer.

  • Family (English) Bignonia
  • Family (botanic) Bignoniaceae
  • Tree or plant type Vine
  • Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
  • Native locale Illinois, North America
  • Size range Large plant (more than 24 inches)
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
  • Soil preference Alkaline soil, Moist, well-drained soil
  • Tolerances Alkaline soil, Dry sites, Occasional drought, Road salt, Wet sites
  • Season of interest midsummer, late summer, early fall
  • Flower color and fragrance Orange, Red, Yellow
  • Shape or form Vining
  • Growth rate Fast

Size and method of climbing: 

Trumpet vine is a clinging, 30 to 40 foot vine. Clinging vines attach themselves directly to a surface by means of holdfasts (adhesive discs) or by small aerial roots, in this case, aerial roots. This type of vine grows best on a flat surface, such as stone, masonry walls, and wood.

Native geographic location and habitat: 

Native to the southern United States up into the Midwest.

Leaf description: 

The opposite, pinnately compound leaves can reach 6 to 15 inches long. They are shiny green and coarsely toothed. Fall color is a poor yellow-green.

Flower description: 

Clusters of red, orange, or yellow trumpet-shaped flowers up to 3 inches long bloom throughout the summer.

Fruit description: 

Fruit are 3 to 5 inch long, bean-like seed pods that split open releasing numerous 2-winged seeds for dispersal by the wind.

Plant care:

A strong trellis or structure is needed to support trumpet vine. It flowers on new wood so plants can be cut back to a few buds in the spring. Full sun to part shade; tolerant of heat and drought.

List of pests, diseases, and tolerances: 

No serious pest problems. Can spread by suckers. Trumpet vine can be aggressive and rampant.

Atropurpurea trumpet vine (Campsis radicans ‘Atropurpurea’):

Deep red flowers.

Balboa Sunset® trumpet vine (Campsis radicans ‘Monbal’):

Red-orange flowers.

Minnesota Red trumpet vine (Campsis radicans ‘Minnesota Red’):

Red flowers.

Yellow trumpet vine (Campsis radicans ‘Flava’):

Yellow flowers.

Photo Gallery (6)

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