Campsis radicans, commonly known as the trumpet vine or hummingbird vine, is an extraordinary addition to any garden seeking both visual flair and functional benefits. This vigorous climber boasts vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that range from fiery red to orange, creating a stunning visual spectacle from mid-summer to fall. Its lush, green foliage forms a dense cover, making it an ideal choice for trellises, walls, and fences, where it can serve as a natural privacy screen while beautifying the space.
The plant is not just a treat for the eyes; it's a magnet for wildlife. The bright flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, turning your garden into a bustling hub of nature's activity. This attribute enhances the ecological value of your garden, promoting biodiversity and offering a delightful scene of birds and butterflies in their natural habitat.
Moreover, Campsis radicans is known for its hardiness and ease of care. It thrives in a wide range of soils, is drought-resistant once established, and can tolerate neglect, making it a low-maintenance option for busy gardeners. Its rapid growth and ability to cover unsightly structures quickly also make it an efficient choice for large areas needing coverage.
Adding Campsis radicans to your garden not only brings beauty and life but also serves practical purposes, making it a must-have for both novice and experienced gardeners. Its robust nature and charming appearance ensure that it remains a perennial favorite.
Carroty color, a
rapid growth rate resulting in quick-mass coverage, and a willingness to climb anything are just a few of the reasons gardeners turn to Campsis radicans, commonly known as Trumpet Creeper.
Attracting hordes of
hummingbirds, terrific trumpets of
pumpkin-orange blossoms dangle like jewels from June through September on
deciduous, emerald foliage that has a
twining habit. A
native to designated zones, Trumpet Creeper's
vine is very aggressive (will climb 30-40 feet) making it a splendid option for long, empty fence lines (where
birds will go crazy building nests) or a large pergola in the backyard.
Trumpet Creeper's vigorous nature is
drought tolerant and an effective
naturalized groundcover. Its
pinnate-compounded,
ovate leaves (1-4 inch long) offer emerald green new foliage that matures into a rich forest green, giving dense coverage.
Trumpet Creeper's stems have aerial roots that can cling to walls, trees, and fence-posts. These tendrils will eventually mature into heavy, woody stems several inches in diameter.
For best flowering, you'll want to be certain Trumpet Creeper has adequate sun (
full sun in the north and
full to
part sun in the south). Though Trumpet Creeper will flourish in woodland gardens, against privacy fences, and any other sunny structure, our favorite spot for Trumpet Creeper is along a pergola or arbor where her yellow-throated, orange trumpet-blossoms can dangle like topaz gemstones from the emerald foliage.
Interesting Facts The Trumpet Creeper (sometimes called Trumpet Vine) hails from the Bignoniaceae family. It is native to woodlands of the Southeastern United States, but is a popular perennial across much of the country
Things to Note Outside of its native range, this species has the potential to be highly invasive, even as far north as New England.
Trumpet Creeper can and will destroy weak supporting structures such as old decking or flimsy arbors. Wherever you plant this hardy perennial, be absolutely certain the surrounding structures can support its growth.
These may appear to be dead sticks when you receive them. They are not; be patient, and once you have warm nights, they will send up shoots and eventually blossom.
Gardener Tips Unless you have a space where this plant can truly take over, you will want to ruthlessly prune each year.
Along an extended fence line, we think you'll love the combination of
Black Eyed Susan,
Purple Coneflower,
Liriope muscari, and Trumpet Creeper. The lovely bright flowers will attract birds that will nest in the Trumpet Creeper and feed on Muscari's berries in late season.
Please read about bare root plants (especially the paragraph about bare root grasses) so you know what to expect. 
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Full sun 
Part sun 
Shade