Chinese Trumpet Creeper
campsis grandiflora
Also known as: ["Trumpet Vine","Flame Vine"]
Overview
A vigorous, deciduous vine known for its large, showy, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange and red.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","fast growing","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Bignoniaceae |
| Genus: | Campsis |
| Botanical Name: | Campsis grandiflora |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: trellis or fence in a sheltered spot with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; cactus mix can be used for container plants.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light pruning can be done as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy; can be cut back significantly to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) or bright indirect light; adjust for intense summer sun to prevent leaf scorch.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to sunlight gradually; provide shade during peak summer hours; ensure adequate light indoors with supplemental grow lights if needed.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; rotate plant for even growth; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Use well-draining soil; avoid heavy clay; amend with organic matter for nutrients.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates heat but may require shade in extreme conditions; avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain consistent temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; avoid fertilizing newly planted or stressed plants; apply to moist soil to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood stem cuttings; layering is also effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is present.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, plastic wrap, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent plant; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back to healthy buds or lateral branches; remove crossing/rubbing stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to control size, encourage flowering, and remove dead/diseased growth; best done after flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased wood; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot; trim roots; use fresh soil; water well.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, yellowing, or stunted growth; bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and may lead to frost damage or death in prolonged cold.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants indoors; avoid planting in frost-prone areas.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced flowering, and potential dehydration in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season; use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; apply to moist soil.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCampsis grandiflora is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant when ingested or touched by cats.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to cats
Dogs
Non-toxicCampsis grandiflora is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant when ingested or touched by dogs.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to dogs
Humans
Non-toxicCampsis grandiflora, commonly known as the Chinese trumpet creeper, is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to humans
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How fast does Campsis grandiflora grow?
A: It is a fast-growing vine, capable of growing several feet in a single season.
Q: Does it require support?
A: Yes, it is a climbing vine and requires a trellis, wall, or other support structure.
Q: Is it invasive?
A: It can be invasive in some regions if not managed properly, as it spreads via suckers and seeds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Bignoniaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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