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It’s helpful to know how to propagate trumpet vines, whether you already have them in your garden or are thinking about getting some for the first time. Truth be told, trumpet vine is very easy to spread. It can be done through seed, cuttings, layering, or dividing its roots or suckers. Even though these are all simple ways to do it, it’s important to remember that these plants are poisonous in more than one way. People who are too sensitive to plants may get skin irritation and inflammation (like redness, burning, and itching) from touching its leaves and other parts of the plant, especially when it is being propagated or pruned.
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is a beautiful flowering vine native to North America. With its orange, trumpet-shaped blooms and rapid growth habit, it’s a great choice for gardens. However, trumpet vine can also be aggressive and take over areas quickly. This makes transplanting young plants or pruned sections an important task.
Transplanting trumpet vine may seem daunting, but it’s doable if you follow some key steps. In this article, we’ll walk through the transplant process from start to finish. We’ll cover when to transplant, how to prepare, transplanting techniques, aftercare, and troubleshooting. With the right approach, you can move trumpet vines successfully to a new spot in your landscape.
When is the Best Time to Transplant Trumpet Vine?
Timing is critical when transplanting trumpet vine These plants do best when moved while dormant in late winter or early spring This gives the vine time to establish roots before the growing season begins.
Some key signs trumpet vine is ready for transplanting:
- The plant has lost its leaves and entered dormancy
- Little growth is occurring
- The ground is moist but not frozen
Avoid transplanting during active growth periods in summer or fall. The shock will set the vine back significantly
How to Prepare for Transplanting Trumpet Vine
Proper planning and preparation will give your trumpet vine the best chance of survival post-transplant. Here are some tips
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Select a new planting site in advance. Pick a spot with full sun and well-draining soil.
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Amend the new soil with compost or manure 2-3 weeks before transplanting. This gives nutrients time to integrate.
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Prune back the trumpet vine to reduce transplant shock. Remove all stems except 2-3 healthy ones and prune these back by one-third.
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Water the plant deeply 1-2 days before digging it up. This will keep the root ball intact better.
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Avoid transplanting in extreme cold, heat, or wind to reduce stress.
How to Transplant Trumpet Vine
Once prepped, it’s time to actually transplant the trumpet vine. Follow these steps closely:
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Dig around the vine’s root zone and extract a large root ball. Aim for at least 18-24 inches wide and deep.
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Keep as much soil attached to the roots as possible to retain moisture and reduce shock.
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Cover the roots with a tarp or wet burlap to protect them while moving the plant.
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Dig a new hole slightly larger than the root ball in the prepared site.
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Carefully place the vine in the hole, keeping it at the same level as before.
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Backfill the hole with native soil, pressing firmly to remove air pockets.
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Create a water basin around the vine to help irrigate it.
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Water the transplanted vine thoroughly until the soil is moist.
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Add 2-3 inches of mulch around the plant to conserve moisture. Avoid mulching right against the stem.
Trumpet Vine Transplant Aftercare
Caring properly for trumpet vine after transplanting is crucial. Here are some aftercare tips:
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Water deeply 2-3 times per week during the first month, tapering off as it establishes.
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Stake the vine for support if needed while new roots develop.
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Watch for transplant shock symptoms like wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth.
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Fertilize monthly with a balanced 10-10-10 formula to encourage rooting and growth.
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Prune back any dead stems and shape the plant as needed in late spring.
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Monitor for pests like aphids that may attack stressed plants and treat accordingly.
Troubleshooting Trumpet Vine Transplants
Even with proper care, some issues can arise after transplanting trumpet vines:
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If leaves are drooping, increase watering frequency. This is often due to dehydration.
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Yellowed foliage may indicate overwatering. Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings.
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If few new leaves emerge, the root system may be underdeveloped. Fertilize to encourage growth.
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Stunted growth could mean the vine went into shock. Be patient and allow more time to recover.
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If vines fail to thrive despite your best efforts, consider replacing with a new, healthier plant.
With some TLC and attention, trumpet vine should bounce back well in its new home. Be diligent with care while it establishes over the first year. Once settled in, it will take off and grow vigorously.
Transplanting trumpet vines takes forethought and care but is very doable. Follow these guidelines for the best results:
- Time it right in early spring when the plant is dormant
- Prune back stems and water well before digging
- Extract a wide, deep root ball and transplant quickly
- Plant at the same level and water thoroughly
- Stake for support and watch for transplant shock
- Fertilize and prune carefully in aftercare
With this comprehensive transplant process, your trumpet vine will transition successfully. In no time, it will be thriving and filling your garden with beauty and life once more. The vibrant blooms and rapid growth will make the effort worthwhile.
How to Propagate Trumpet Vine from Seed
Trumpet vine will readily self-seed, but you can also collect and plant the seeds in the garden yourself. You can collect seeds once they mature, usually when the seedpods begin to turn brown and split open. After that, you can plant them in pots or right in the garden (about ¼ to ½ inch deep). 5 to 1. 5 cm. That way, the seeds will be able to survive the winter and grow back in the spring. You can also save the seeds until spring and plant them then.
How to Grow Trumpet Vine from a Cutting or Layering
Cuttings can be taken in summer. Remove the bottom set of leaves and stick them in well-draining potting soil. If desired, you can dip the cut ends in rooting hormone first. Water thoroughly and place in a shady location. Cuttings should root in about a month, give or take. After that, you can either move them to a new spot or let them keep growing until the next spring and then plant them again. Layering can also be done. Cut a long piece of stem with a knife, then bend it down to the ground and bury the cut part of the stem. Secure this in place with wire or a stone. New roots should appear in about a month or two, but it’s best to leave the stem alone until spring and then cut it off from the mother plant. You can then transplant your trumpet vine in its new location.
Transplanting a Trumpet Vine
FAQ
Can trumpet vine be moved?
Can you grow a trumpet vine from a cutting?
How do you dig up a trumpet vine?
Do trumpet vines like full sun or shade?