Key Facts
- A vigorous woody perennial vine native to eastern North America
- Produces tubular orange to red trumpet shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds
- Climbs by aerial rootlets and can root at the base to form colonies
- Flowers in summer and sometimes into early fall depending on climate
- Tolerates a wide range of soils if drainage is good
- Can be aggressive and spread by suckers and self seeded seedlings
- Responds well to pruning but may require regular control in favorable climates
- Propagates readily by layering, root suckers, cuttings and seed
Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans) is a vigorous woody vine that produces showy orange to red trumpet flowers that attract hummingbirds. It suits fences, arbors and pollinator plantings but can spread aggressively by root suckers and seed.
Identification
Deciduous woody vine with tubular orange to red flowers that appear in summer and sometimes into early fall. Climbs using aerial rootlets and can root at the base to form colonies. Typical length on a support ranges from about 10 to 40 feet and spread commonly reaches 6 to 20 feet or more in favorable sites. Hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Where to grow and best uses
Plants best in full sun for abundant flowering and tolerates light shade. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is good and it will perform in average or clay soils. Use it on fences, pergolas and arbors or in native pollinator borders where a vigorous climber is wanted. Avoid planting too close to small beds or young trees because it can naturalize and overtop nearby plants.
Planting and establishment
Select a sunny site with well drained soil. Keep new plants watered until they are established and do not allow the crown to sit in water because poor drainage increases risk of crown rot and poor establishment. Give a sturdy support for climbing and allow room for root suckers if you do not plan to contain spread.
After flowering and pruning
Responds well to pruning and often requires regular pruning in climates that favor rapid growth. Prune to control size, remove unwanted runners and open the framework for air and light. Pruning also reduces the chance of it overrunning nearby plants.
Controlling spread and containment
Spreads by root suckers, layering and by seed and propagates readily from cuttings. Plan for containment if naturalizing is not desired. Remove suckers and seedlings promptly, cut back runners at the root, and consider physical barriers or regular root pruning where needed. Expect continued attention in favorable climates.
Propagation
Propagates easily by layering, root suckers, hardwood and softwood cuttings and by seed. The same traits that make it easy to propagate also make it likely to form colonies unless controlled.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Trumpet Creeper grow?
- Very fast in favorable conditions. It is a vigorous climber that can reach many meters on structures and often forms thickets by suckering in warm, sunny sites.
- Is Trumpet Creeper invasive?
- It can be aggressive and naturalize by suckers and self seeded seedlings. Contain roots and remove seedlings if you want to prevent spreading.
- Can Trumpet Creeper damage structures or trees?
- It climbs with aerial rootlets and can climb trees and structures. It may overtop or smother smaller plants and requires control when grown near valued trees or fragile surfaces.
- Are Trumpet Creeper flowers or sap toxic?
- Not widely listed as highly toxic. Sap can irritate sensitive skin and ingestion may cause mild stomach upset. Check local poison control or university extension for specific safety guidance.
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