The Campsis x ‘Indian Summer’ is an exciting trumpet vine hybrid that brings tropical flair to gardens. This vigorous climber combines the hardiness of our native trumpet creeper with the exotic look of a tropical vine. Read on to learn all about growing and caring for Campsis ‘Indian Summer’.
Overview of Campsis Indian Summer
Campsis x ‘Indian Summer’ is a hybrid cross between Campsis radicans (common trumpet vine) and Campsis grandiflora (Chinese trumpet vine). It was introduced by Don Shadow of Shadow Nursery in Winchester, Tennessee in 1986.
This hybrid trumpet creeper combines the vigor, hardiness, and orange-red flowers of our native trumpet vine with the exotic floral display of the Chinese trumpet vine The result is a hardy, carefree vine that pumps out huge clusters of outrageously long, trumpet-shaped orange blooms over an extended period.
Key features
- Clusters of 10-inch long orange trumpets
- Blooms from early summer to first frost
- Vigorous climbing habit to 20-30 feet
- Hardy in zones 4-9
The award-winning Campsis ‘Indian Summer’ lights up fences, arbors, and more with its bountiful flower production. It provides seasonal interest along with attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
Growing Conditions for Campsis Indian Summer
This hybrid trumpet vine is unfussy about soil and lighting conditions. It can power through adverse conditions where other vines fail.
Campsis ‘Indian Summer’ grows well in zones 4-9. It can take hot humid summers and cold winters. Plant in full sun for the heaviest flowering. It tolerates partial shade but won’t bloom as prolifically.
This vine grows in any reasonably fertile, well-drained soil. Average garden soil amended with compost is sufficient. It also tolerates clay soil, sandy soil, and acidic to alkaline pH levels. Avoid overly wet, poorly drained sites.
Provide sturdy support for the vigorous climbing habit. Trellises, arbors, pergolas, and fences offer good choices. Space plants 10-15 feet apart for ample room to grow.
Care and Maintenance Tips
Campsis ‘Indian Summer’ is easy to grow and quite self-sufficient once established. Caring for this trumpet vine mainly involves pruning and training it onto its support structure.
Here are some care tips:
- Water weekly until established, then only during droughts
- Prune as needed to train vines and encourage bushier growth
- Apply slow release fertilizer in early spring
- Watch for aphids
- Grow on a strong support for its vigorous habit
Hard prune any frost damaged growth in late winter before new growth appears. Prune as needed during the growing season to train vines and promote branching for more flowers.
This carefree vine has excellent pest and disease resistance. Aphids may appear but are easily controlled. It requires minimal care overall.
Using Campsis Indian Summer in the Landscape
The bold and beautiful flowers of Campsis ‘Indian Summer’ bring powerful visual impact to gardens. Use this vine to make a statement!
It looks fantastic grown on fences, trellises, pergolas, arbors, and poles. Enliven bare walls and drab fences by letting its vibrant blooms take center stage. Grow up posts at the corners of a deck or porch for seasonal color.
The orange trumpet flowers combine beautifully with purple and chartreuse foliage plants. Try pairing with purple coneflower, purple basil, coleus, or purple heart. The orange color also pops against blue or white blooms.
Some companion plants include:
- Clematis
- Roses
- Hydrangeas
- Mandevilla
- Bluebeard
- Coleus
For a cottage garden feel, grow Campsis ‘Indian Summer’ together with old-fashioned roses, foxglove, hollyhocks, and hydrangeas.
Common Pests and Problems
Overall, this hybrid trumpet creeper has excellent disease and pest resistance. The only issue to watch for is aphids on new growth, which are easily controlled by horticultural soaps and sprays.
Hardiness can vary. In extremely cold winters, some dieback may occur. Most damaged stems regenerate from the roots. For extra protection, wait to prune off dead stems until spring to allow the root system insulation.
Aside from occasional cold damage, Campsis ‘Indian Summer’ is nearly trouble-free. It provides an easy-care burst of hot color in gardens.
Buying Campsis Indian Summer Vines
Check with your local nursery to buy Campsis x ‘Indian Summer’ vines. Many garden centers sell container-grown or bare root plants. You can also purchase online from reputable vendors.
Select plants with healthy foliage and good structural branching. Avoid any with signs of disease or damage.
The best time to plant is in early spring after the last frost. You can also plant in fall in zones 5-9. Make sure to provide sturdy structures for the vines to climb up.
For a low-maintenance climbing vine that pumps out vibrant color, Campsis ‘Indian Summer’ is a top pick. Add this trumpet vine hybrid to your landscape and enjoy sizzling summer color for years to come.
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FAQ
Is the Indian summer trumpet vine invasive?
How tall does Indian Summer trumpet vine grow?
Where is the best place to plant a trumpet vine?
Is the Indian summer trumpet vine toxic to dogs?
Is Campsis a good plant to plant against a sunny wall?
It is lower growing than the parent plants, and ideal for planting against a sunny wall. Join the RHS today and save 25% Campsis are fast-growing deciduous climbers clinging by aerial roots, pinnate leaves and clusters of tubular-funnel-shaped flowers in late summer or early autumn
How do you grow Campsis ‘Indian Summer’?
Fast growing, it will quickly cover a wall or fence. Grow Campsis ‘Indian Summer’ in moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny spot such as against a warm, sunny wall. Prune back in late winter or early spring to control its growth. Campsis ‘Indian summer’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
When should I plant Campsis?
Campsis is best planted in spring or early autumn, but can be planted at any time from autumn to spring as long as the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged. Make sure you have enough space in a sheltered spot with a sturdy support for the trumpet vine as it grows.
Are trumpet vines invasive?
It is a more compact and manageable Trumpet vine which is reportedly less invasive than the species. Gold medal for the Best New Plant Introduction of Plantarium 1998, Prix d’Honneur for Jarditec 1999 in Paris France for Best New plant Introduction.