Chinese Trumpet Creeper Vines: Learn About Trumpet Creeper Plant Care

Chinese trumpet creeper vines are native to eastern and southeastern China and can be found adorning many buildings, hillsides, and roads. Not to be confused with aggressive and often invasive American trumpet vine (Campsis radicans), Chinese trumpet creeper plants are nonetheless prodigious bloomers and growers. Interested in growing Chinese trumpet vines? Read on for more Chinese trumpet creeper info and plant care.

Chinese Trumpet Creeper Plant Info

Chinese trumpet creeper vines (Campus grandiflora) can be grown in USDA zones 6-9. They grow rapidly once established and can attain lengths of 13-30 feet (4-9 m.) in an ideally sunny area. This vigorous woody vine bears blossoms in the early summer in a profusion of 3-inch (7.5 cm.), red or orange blossoms. The trumpet-shaped flowers are borne off of new growth beginning in early June and the profusion lasts for about a month. Thereafter, the vine will sporadically blossom throughout the summer. Hummingbirds and other pollinators flock to its blooms. When the blossoms die back, they are replaced by long, bean-like seed pods that split open to release the double winged seeds. It is an excellent vine for full sun exposures growing on trellises, fences, walls, or on arbors. As mentioned, it is not nearly as aggressive as the American version of trumpet creeper vine, Campsis radicans, which spreads invasively through root suckering. The genus name is derived from the Greek ‘kampe,’ which means bent, referring to the bent stamens of the flowers. Grandiflora stems from the Latin ‘grandis,’ meaning large and ‘floreo,’ meaning to bloom.

Chinese Trumpet Creeper Plant Care

When growing Chinese trumpet creeper, situate the plant in an area of full sun in soil the is fairly rich to average and well-draining. While this vine will grow in partial shade, optimal blooming will be had when it is in full sun. When established, vines have some drought tolerance. In cooler USDA zones, mulch around the vine prior to the onslaught of winter temperatures since, once temperatures drop below 15 F. (-9 C.), the vine may suffer damage such as stem dieback. Chinese trumpet vines are tolerant of pruning. Prune in late winter or, since blossoms appear on new growth, the plant can be pruned in the early spring. Cut back plants to within 3-4 buds to encourage compact growth and the formation of flower buds. Also, remove any damaged, diseased, or crossing shoots at this time. This vine has no serious insect or disease issues. It is, however, susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf blight, and leaf spot.