Campsis grandiflora (Chinese Trumpet Creeper)

Native to eastern and southeastern China, Campsis grandiflora (Chinese Trumpet Creeper) is a vigorous woody vine with large, trumpet-shaped, orange to red flowers, 3 in. long (8 cm), adorned with golden-yellow throats. In early summer, these magnificent tubular flowers are borne in loose, open clusters at the ends of the branches. They bloom sporadically throughout the summer for a spectacular floral display. Hummingbirds love them and never fail to visit them. Attractive bean-like seedpods follow the blooms. The foliage of pinnate (with up to 7-9 leaflets), coarsely toothed, dark green leaves is deciduous.

Chinese Trumpet Creeper is not as large, hardy, vigorous, and aggressive as the native American Trumpet Vine, Campsis radicans. This vine is widely grown in Mediterranean gardens, often cultivated for its attractive, glowing flowers.

• Thrives in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils, in full sun or part shade. Best flower production is obtained in full sun.
• Easy to grow, the Chinese Trumpet Creeper is incredibly free-flowering and can quickly grow up to 20-30 ft. long (6-9 m).
• No serious insect or disease problems, but watch for powdery mildew, leaf blight, and leaf spot.
• Excellent choice for trellises, walls, fences, or arbors.
• This vine blooms on new growth and should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Cut back branches to within three to four buds. This will encourage more compact growth and promote the formation of flower buds in the shortened shoots. Overcrowded, diseased or damaged shoots can be removed at the same time.