Campsis

Trumpet Creeper, Trumpet Vine
Bignoniaceae
Deciduous, Vines

Vigorous climbers used for large scale effects, quick summer screens. All bear radiant, orange-toned blossoms shaped like flaring trumpets, in clusters at branch tips midsummer to fall. Glossy leaves are divided into 2 1/2-in., ovate leaflets. Stems have aerial rootlets, cling to wood, brick, stucco, and other surfaces. Unless pruned and tied to supporting surface, old plants can become top-heavy and pull away. Each dormant season, shorten some branches and thin others. Pinch back shoot tips in summer to keep plants bushy. Plants spread by suckering roots; pull any that appear. If older plants become unmanageable, cut to ground before spring growth begins and train a few strong new stems.

Campsis grandiflora

China. Not as vigorous, large, or hardy as the American native C. radicans, but flowers are slightly larger and redder. Each leaf has up to nine leaflets. Grows to 30 ft. under ideal conditions.

Campsis radicans

Native to eastern United States. This is the most widely used trumpet creeper in cold-winter areas. A deep freeze will kill it to the ground, but new stems regrow quickly. Each leaf has up to 11 leaflets. Flowers are 3-in.-long orange tubes with scarlet lobes flaring to 2 in. wide. Grows fast to 40 ft. or more, bursting with health and vigor.

Campsis x tagliabuana

Hybrid between Campsis grandiflora and Campsis radicans. Grows 30 to 40 ft., produces salmon red to red flowers, depending upon variety.