Chinese trumpet creeper (Campsis grandiflora)

Overview

The Campsis grandiflora, widely recognized as the Chinese trumpet creeper, is a stunning deciduous woody vine celebrated for its vigorous growth and dramatic summer flowers. As a native of eastern and southeastern China, this plant brings an exotic flair to the garden, climbing structures with an abundance of trumpet-shaped, orange-red blooms accented by a vibrant yellow throat. While vigorous, the Campsis grandiflora is generally less aggressive than its American cousin (Campsis radicans), making garden management more predictable.

Mature specimens of the Chinese trumpet creeper can reach heights between 20 to 30 feet, making it an excellent choice for rapidly covering fences, arbors, or walls needing dense seasonal coverage. Its foliage consists of attractive, coarsely toothed, pinnate leaves, providing a rich green backdrop to the flashy flowers that bloom profusely from June through August. These large blooms are particularly notable for being highly attractive to hummingbirds, offering significant wildlife value to any landscape design.

Successful cultivation of Campsis grandiflora hinges on providing adequate support and suitable light conditions. Although it tolerates some shade, securing full sun ensures the best flowering performance for this beautiful species. Gardeners should appreciate the unique look offered by the Campsis grandiflora as they incorporate this fast-growing beauty into their vertical gardening plans.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Bignoniaceae
• Plant Type: Vine
• Native Range: China
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: “20-30 ft”
  • Spread: “6-9 ft”
• Bloom Time: June to August
• Bloom Description: Orange-red with yellow throat
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

The Chinese trumpet creeper thrives when planted in average, medium-moisture, well-drained soils. While it is adaptable, maximizing flower production requires positioning the vine where it receives full sun; partial shade is tolerated, but flowering will be significantly reduced. Planting should ideally take place in spring after the danger of frost has passed, ensuring the young Campsis grandiflora has the entire growing season to establish a root system.

Watering should be consistent while the plant is young, adhering to its medium water needs. Established plants of Campsis grandiflora exhibit some drought tolerance, requiring less supplemental irrigation during dry spells. Fertilization is usually unnecessary unless the soil is extremely poor, as too much fertility can promote excessive vegetative growth at the expense of blooms.

Pruning is the primary maintenance task for this vigorous vine. Prune as needed to control its spread and shape, keeping the foliage growth within the boundaries you intend. Since blooms appear on new growth, an early spring pruning will not sacrifice the summer show. In colder reaches of its range (like Zone 6), site the Chinese trumpet creeper near a structure or use substantial winter root mulches to protect the stems from severe freezing.

Landscape Uses

The rapid growth rate of the Campsis grandiflora makes it an unmatched choice for quickly covering unsightly areas or adding significant vertical interest. It excels when trained to climb fences, sturdy walls, large arbors, or tall trellises, providing dense screening and a spectacular bloom show. Furthermore, this vine can be intentionally allowed to sprawl, making it an excellent ground cover for naturalizing areas, obscuring tree stumps, or softening large rock piles.

For those aiming to maximize wildlife interaction, planting the Chinese trumpet creeper near patios or viewing areas is recommended, as its flowers are magnets for hummingbirds throughout mid-summer. When establishing this vine, avoid planting it too close to desirable neighbors that might be choked out by its vigor. Instead, pair it with robust companion plants that can handle the occasional encroachment or that share similar sun and water requirements.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Fruit Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Campsis grandiflora, commonly known as Chinese trumpet creeper, is a deciduous woody vine that is native to eastern and southeastern China. It has been widely cultivated in Taiwan, Korea and Japan. It typically matures to 20-30’ tall and features attractive, coarsely toothed, pinnate, medium to dark green leaves (to 12” long). Loose, open panicles of trumpet-shaped orange to red flowers (each to 3” long) with yellow throats bloom on new growth in early June, with sporadic repeat bloom continuing throughout the summer. Flowers are very attractive to hummingbirds.

Tolerances

No specific tolerances were detailed in the source data.

Potential Problems

Generally, the Chinese trumpet creeper avoids serious insect or disease issues, offering a relatively low-stress addition once established. Gardeners should remain vigilant, however, for potential fungal issues such as powdery mildew, leaf blight, and leaf spot, especially in humid conditions or areas with poor air circulation. Control these outbreaks through good gardening practices, ensuring proper spacing and timely pruning. Be aware that this plant can spread somewhat aggressively via underground runners, particularly in very rich, fertile soils; monitor for suckers outside the desired planting area for effective management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Chinese trumpet creeper suitable for?

Campsis grandiflora is fully winter hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9.

How large does Campsis grandiflora grow?

This vigorous vine typically reaches a mature height of 20 to 30 feet, spreading between 6 to 9 feet wide.

When does Campsis grandiflora bloom?

The Chinese trumpet creeper produces its main flush of bloom time from June to August, featuring orange-red flowers with a yellow throat.

What sun exposure does Campsis grandiflora need?

For the best flowering display, this vine requires full sun, though it can be planted where it receives part shade.

Conclusion

The Chinese trumpet creeper (Campsis grandiflora) provides immense visual impact through its rapid growth habit and spectacular, hummingbird-attracting flowers lasting throughout summer. Its ability to cover large vertical spaces makes it an essential tool for screening and structure enhancement. Before planting, confirm your location falls within USDA Zones 6-9 and ensure you can offer it the full sun exposure it craves for peak performance.

Companion Planting

Selecting appropriate neighbors is crucial when installing aggressive vines like the Chinese trumpet creeper. Since Campsis grandiflora prefers full sun and medium moisture, pair it with other robust, large shrubs or trees that also share these light demands, rather than smaller, delicate perennials. Consider pairing it with woody structures that can bear its weight without being overwhelmed. Excellent companions might include robust native grasses or sturdy flowering shrubs like hardy Hibiscus varieties, which fill the lower space while basking in the same bright sun and maturing at a similar time.

Wildlife Benefits

A key feature of the Campsis grandiflora is its unparalleled attraction to nectar-feeding birds. The trumpet shape of the orange-red flowers acts as the perfect conduit for hummingbirds, making this vine an instant highlight in any dedicated wildlife or hummingbird garden setting. Beyond just feeding them, the dense foliage provides excellent nesting cover and shelter throughout the heat of summer. Planting Campsis grandiflora near windows or decks enhances viewing opportunities for these fast-moving visitors, bringing dynamic activity to your summer landscape.