Trumpet Creeper Campsis x tagliabueana

Trumpet creeper is a hybrid between the Chinese trumpet creeper (C. grandiflora) and trumpet vine (C. radicans) but is less aggressive than C. radicans. The genus name comes from the Greek word kampe meaning “bent” in reference to the bent stamens of the flowers. The hybrid epithet, tagliabueana, honors brothers Alberto Linneo Tagliabue and Carlo Tagliabue, who were Italian nurserymen.

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. Late frosts often damage the young growth in spring, and the plant can take some years to establish before it starts to flower. This plant is mildly resistant to damage by deer. It is a good vine for hot, dry sites.

Trumpet creeper is a 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 that attract hummingbirds. It attaches itself to structures and uses aerial rootlets to climb. Without a support on which to climb, the plant will scramble on the ground and form an effective ground cover, rooting at intervals along the branches. 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.

This hybrid is suitable for pollinator gardens and butterfly gardens.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No known diseases or insect problems. The plant can spread quickly and needs space to spread out.