Campsis x tagliabuana

Trumpet Creeper is a hybrid cross between C. radicans (American Trumpet Vine) and C. grandiflora (Chinese Trumpet Vine) with the trait of being less aggressive than C. radicans. It is a flowering woody vine that can rapidly spread  to 15 to 25 feet long and 6 to 12 feet wide and produces trumpet-shaped orange-red flowers. It has dark green foliage; attracts hummingbirds, and left to its own devices, the plant will scramble on the ground and form an effective ground cover, rooting at intervals along the branches. It can also attach itself to structures and use aerial rootlets to climb.

It grows best in well-drained loam in a  sunny position or light shade with regular moisture. Growth is more aggressive in rich soils. The plant tolerates moderately alkaline or moderately acid soils. Dormant plants are relatively cold hardy, though they require a sunny sheltered wall or hot summers if they are to flower well. The young growth in spring is often damaged by late frosts and the plant can take some years to settle down before it starts to flower. This plant is mildly resistant to damage by deer. It is a good vine for hot, dry sites.

You can restrain the growth of the plant with pruning. Because flowers bloom on new growth, prune in early spring. Provide sturdy structures to support the weight of the mature plants. This hybrid is an aggressive plant which suckers from underground runners and self-seeds.

The genus name, Campsis, comes from the Greek kampe meaning bent in reference to the bent stamens on plant flowers. The hybrid name, tagliabuana, honors the brothers Alberto Linneo Tagliabue and Carlo Tagliabue who were Italian nurserymen.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect problems. The plant can spread quickly and needs space to spread out.