Plants: Campsis radicans - trumpet creeper

Campsis radicans - tree form

This is the species of north-american trumpet creeper trained into a tree with a real stem. It bears terminal cymes of rich red, trumpet-shaped flowers from early summer until the first frosts. Pinnate leaves are deep green and enhance its tropical appearance.

Being originally a climbing plant it needs strong support all life long. So stake it well so that it does not break in strong wind. For profusion of flowers it needs to be pruned every spring after the worst frosts (end March). Cut all last year’s branches to 2-3 pairs of live buds. Trumpet creeper flowers on new shoots so the more shoots you have the more flowers you get.

Trumpet creepers need limey soil and a warm and sunny spot. Its root system can accept temporary drought and extra watering is desirable only maximum once a week. It grows vigorously and makes deep roots. However, our plants proved to be alright in limited space – 30x50 cm, 40 cm deep. Fully hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Size/type: small tree
Usual height: 2-3m
Usual width: 1-2m
Leaves: deciduous broadleaf
Colour of leaves: light green
Flowers: showy
Colour of flowers: red
Blooming time: june - september
Location: full sun
Usda zone (lowest): 4 (down to -34°c)
Winter protection:
For zone 5+6: code of winter protection zone 5+6
For zone 7: code of winter protection zone 7
Belongs to categories: deciduous broadleaf, summer blooms