Trumpet Vine, Trumpet Creeper
campsis radicans
Also known as: ["Cow Itch Plant","Cow-itch Vine","Devil’s Shoe String"]
Overview
A vigorous, deciduous vine known for its showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","fast growing","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Bignoniaceae |
| Genus: | Campsis |
| Botanical Name: | Campsis radicans |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: trellis, fence, or wall support in a sunny location
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to avoid waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, as it is vigorous and can be cut back hard.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually over 1–2 weeks. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates. Ensure outdoor placement in well-lit areas.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Full sun is best; morning sun preferred; avoid deep shade.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, moderately fertile soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–9. Prefers 60–85°F (15–29°C). Tolerates winter lows to -20°F (-29°C) in dormant state.
Protect from late frosts; ensure winter dormancy; water deeply in heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize in early morning; avoid over-fertilizing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood or semi-hardwood stem cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Apply hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (70–75°F/21–24°C).
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone (auxin) recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot within 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, misting bottle, plastic bag or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove entire stems at the base; selective heading back for shaping.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or weak growth; shape plant; encourage flowering and air circulation.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune before bud break; remove deadwood; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with added organic matter.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Vigorous growth may require more frequent repotting.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; trim roots if crowded; use fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture with finger; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during active growth; reduce frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch surface to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in extreme heat; dieback or delayed bud break in insufficient winter chill.
Cold Stress
Leaves may yellow or drop; stems can become brittle if not sufficiently dormant. Hardy to cold but requires proper hardening off.
Solution: Ensure proper dormancy by reducing water and fertilizer in fall. Mulch heavily around the base in colder zones.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering during prolonged heat waves.
Solution: Provide temporary shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; ensure good soil moisture retention.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute to half strength; apply during growing season only.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Reduce or stop in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they ingest the seeds or berries of Campsis radicans. The plant is not highly toxic to cats, but ingestion should be avoided.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of the seeds and berries of Campsis radicans can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic to dogs, but caution should still be exercised.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCampsis radicans, commonly known as trumpet vine or trumpet creeper, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested. The seeds and berries are the most toxic parts, though the toxicity is generally not severe.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Trumpet Vine invasive?
A: Yes, it is highly vigorous and can be invasive in some regions, requiring regular pruning to control spread.
Q: Does Trumpet Vine attract hummingbirds?
A: Yes, its bright orange-red flowers are a favorite nectar source for hummingbirds.
Q: Is Trumpet Vine toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, causing mild gastrointestinal upset.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Bignoniaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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