Trumpet vine
Also known as
Trumpet creeper, Cow-itch vine, Hummingbird vine, American trumpet vine
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
Get the appAbout Trumpet vine
Campsis radicans is a vigorous, deciduous woody vine native to eastern North America, celebrated for its showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that range from orange to scarlet and bloom profusely from midsummer into early fall. The blooms, 5–9 cm long, are magnets for hummingbirds and pollinators. Opposite, pinnate leaves with 7–11 serrated leaflets create a lush, tropical effect. The plant climbs via aerial rootlets that adhere strongly to masonry and bark, and it also spreads by suckers, making it both a dynamic landscape feature and a potential garden bully without firm containment. Long, bean-like seed pods follow flowering. It thrives in full sun and tolerates poor soils, drought, and urban conditions once established. While not systemically poisonous, the sap can irritate skin, giving rise to the nickname “cow-itch vine.” Best used on sturdy arbors, fences, or dedicated trellises away from delicate structures, it provides spectacular seasonal color and wildlife value when managed prudently.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Trumpet vine
Water
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system—about 2.5–4 cm of water per week, including rainfall. Allow the top 3–5 cm of soil to dry between waterings. Once established, trumpet vine is notably drought-tolerant and typically needs supplemental water only during prolonged dry spells. Avoid waterlogged conditions; ensure well-drained soil and use mulch to moderate evaporation. Container-grown specimens dry faster and may need more frequent watering.
Light
Provide full sun for maximal flowering—target 6–8+ hours of direct light daily. The plant tolerates partial shade, but flower production drops and growth becomes more viney with fewer clusters. Morning sun with light afternoon shade is acceptable in hot climates, provided the site is bright. Avoid deep shade and overly crowded plantings that reduce airflow, as this can increase foliar disease pressure and limit bloom quality.
Nutrients
Trumpet vine typically needs little to no fertilizer. Excess nitrogen drives rampant vegetative growth at the expense of blooms. In average garden soil, incorporate compost in spring and use a light, balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 5-5-5) only if growth is weak. In very poor soils, a single mid-spring feeding is sufficient. Avoid midsummer high-nitrogen products. Maintain a 5–8 cm organic mulch to conserve moisture and build soil over time instead of frequent feeding.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA Zones 4–9, Campsis radicans tolerates winter cold well when dormant and thrives in warm summers. Optimal active growth occurs around 18–30°C (65–86°F), with good heat tolerance if soil moisture is adequate. Established plants withstand brief temperature extremes, but young vines benefit from winter mulch in colder zones. In containers at zone margins, protect roots from deep freezes or overwinter in a sheltered spot to prevent root damage.
