Trumpet vine, also known as trumpet creeper, produces clusters of trumped-shaped, orange flowers that are beloved by pollinators. These vines prefer mild climates, grow in most soil types, and thrive in full sunlight. In fact, trumpet vine is an aggressive spreader that should be grown with caution.
The red trumpet vine, with its clusters of vibrant orangey-red, trumpet-shaped blooms, is one of the most striking flowering vines you can grow. Native to the eastern United States, this vigorous climber has now spread to western regions as gardeners appreciate its visually-arresting qualities.
Why Grow the Red Trumpet Vine?
With its profusion of showy blooms and fast growth rate the red trumpet vine adds drama to any garden. Here are some of the reasons you should consider this plant
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Show-stopping flowers – Few plants can compete with the stunning floral display of the trumpet vine. The clusters of large, tubular red blooms will turn heads.
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Attracts wildlife – Hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators flock to the nectar-rich flowers. The vine provides food and shelter.
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Fast growing – The trumpet vine is a vigorous climber that can grow up to 40 feet. It quickly covers fences arbors and more.
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Hardy – Cold hardy to zone 4, this vine thrives across a wide region. It can handle summer heat and humidity.
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Low maintenance – Once established, the trumpet creeper needs little care. Prune occasionally for shape and growth.
How to Grow Red Trumpet Vines
The trumpet vine requires full sun and well-drained soil. Follow these tips for success:
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Give plenty of space – Allow at least 15-20 feet between the vine and nearby plants or structures. It spreads aggressively.
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Provide sturdy support – The woody stems attach via holdfasts. Offer a strong trellis, arbor or fence.
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Prune for shape/size – Cut back long stems in late winter to manage growth. Don’t prune heavily.
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Water during dry periods – Water thoroughly once a week if rainfall is lacking. Established vines are drought-tolerant.
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Fertilize in spring – Use a balanced fertilizer to encourage growth and flowering. Discontinue by mid-summer.
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Watch for suckers – Remove suckers around the base to prevent unwanted spread.
How to Use in the Landscape
The trumpet vine’s intense flowers look stunning against white walls, fences or arbors. Here are some ideas:
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Cover an arbor or pergola – Grow over an arbor to create a floral ceiling for a sitting area.
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Accent a fence or wall – Train along a fence or wall to highlight architectural features.
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Attract wildlife – Position near a garden sitting area so you can enjoy watching visiting hummingbirds.
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Grow on a tree – Allow to climb up a large tree. Prune to keep in bounds.
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Use as a screen – Train along a screen for a pop of flowering color and privacy.
Varieties to Grow
Popular varieties include:
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Campsis radicans – The species with 3-inch orangey red blooms.
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‘Flamenco’ – Large, bright red blooms on a more compact 10 foot vine.
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‘Madame Galen’ – Profuse, 3-inch orange and red striped trumpets.
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‘Blanche du Bois’ – Pure white, 3-inch flowers on 20 foot vine.
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‘Tangerine Beauty’ – Apricot-orange flowers; less aggressive spreader.
The vivid colors and fast growth of the red trumpet vine make it a great choice where you want a big impact. With proper siting and pruning, it will put on a spectacular floral display in your garden year after year.
Potting and Repotting Trumpet Vine
Surprisingly, trumpet vine does very well in containers because it is much easier to keep it from spreading too quickly. But it will need a very big, heavy pot, like a half-barrel or 20-gallon or larger solid or clay planter. Put general-purpose potting mix in the pot and a strong climbing trellis around it at the same time you plant the vine.
When planting plants in the ground, make sure the hole you dig is big enough to fit a bucket with no bottom. This will keep the trumpet vine’s roots from spreading and possibly hurting other plants. Slowly pull the plant’s roots apart and place it in the ground, preferably with something to support it, like a trellis. You will need to cut the vine back to just above the ground every year in late fall or early spring. Apricot and Indian Summer are good cultivars for containers, as they are somewhat smaller than other varieties.
Pruning
It is almost impossible to prune this vigorous plant too much. Trumpet vines bloom on new stems, so prune early in the spring before growth starts. Cut the plant back to nearly ground level, leaving only a few buds. It is also okay to cut back in late autumn after the leaves have dried and fallen. This kind of aggressive annual pruning is the best way to keep the plant in check.
Vines can also be cut back throughout the season although you may be sacrificing a few blooms. If you want the vine to grow on a building like a garage or shed, hang wire across the top of it. Because the trumpet vine has something to attach to, it’s easier to do the pruning you need to do during the growing season.
Trumpet Vine – BEWARE this Hummingbird Magnet has a Dangerous Side – Why grow Campsis Radicans
FAQ
What flower looks like a trumpet vine?
What is the red flower that looks like a trumpet?
Is red trumpet vine invasive?
What does a red trumpet vine look like?
Red trumpet vine is a creeper plant with large, funnel-shaped flowers growing in dangling clusters from the vine. Each cluster can have four to 12 orangey-red, showy trumpet flowers. The deciduous vining plant is a fast-growing creeper that grows up to 33 ft. (10 m) long.
What is a scarlet trumpet vine?
Scarlet trumpet vine is a fast-growing evergreen hardy climbing vine that creates a floral display of deep red, trumpet-shaped flowers. This vigorous garden vine grows best in USDA zones 9 through 11. The dark red flowers grow up to 3” (8 cm) long.
What is a blood red trumpet vine?
The blood red trumpet vine, also known as the scarlet vine, produces bright red trumpet blooms on the vine. These flowers have a trumpet shape and attract small birds and insects.
What is a trumpet vine?
The trumpet vine is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a plant that provides dramatic impact with minimal care. Its clusters of trumpet-shaped blooms create a vibrant display, especially in full sun, while its resilience makes it suitable for a range of climates and soil conditions.
When do trumpet vines Bloom?
Trumpet vines typically bloom from June to September, providing months of vibrant flowers. To encourage more blooms: Ensure full sun exposure. Avoid pruning too late in the spring, as this can remove the new growth where flower buds form.
Are trumpet vines invasive?
In some areas, trumpet vines are invasive vining plants requiring heavy pruning to control their growth. Scarlet trumpet vine is a fast-growing evergreen hardy climbing vine that creates a floral display of deep red, trumpet-shaped flowers. This vigorous garden vine grows best in USDA zones 9 through 11.