Planting a hummingbird trumpet vine is a great way to attract hummingbirds to your yard. The trumpet-shaped blooms of this vine provide nectar that hummingbirds love. With some planning and care, you can have a beautiful and lively hummingbird trumpet vine in your garden.
What is a hummingbird trumpet vine?
A hummingbird trumpet vine is a flowering vine in the Bignonia family. Its scientific name is Campsis radicans. It is also commonly called trumpet creeper or cow itch vine. This vine is native to the southeastern United States and is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 4-9.
The trumpet-shaped orange-red flowers bloom from mid to late summer. They attract ruby-throated hummingbirds with their tubular shape and nectar content. The flowers bloom on new wood, so pruning is important for maximizing blooms. The vine can grow up to 40 feet long and climbs by aerial rootlets. It likes full sun exposure and evenly moist soil.
When to plant a hummingbird trumpet vine
Hummingbird trumpet vines can be planted in spring or fall. Spring planting allows time for the vine to establish before summer heat. Fall planting gives the roots a chance to develop before winter dormancy. The ideal spring planting window is after the last frost date in your area when temperatures are warm and stable. The best months are March through May. For fall planting, target September through November.
Avoid planting during peak summer heat or when the ground is frozen in winter. Make sure to plant at least 45 days before the first expected frost so the vines have time to establish.
Spring planting
Spring planting takes advantage of the rainy spring weather to reduce watering needs. It allows the vine time to develop its root system before summer. Spring planting gives the vine time to become established so it can withstand summer heat and humidity.
Fall planting
Fall planting works well because the soil is still warm, encouraging root growth before the ground freezes. The vine will go dormant for the winter and be ready to grow in spring. Keep the soil moist if planting late enough in fall that the ground may freeze soon.
How to choose a location
When choosing where to plant your hummingbird trumpet vine, consider the following factors:
- Full sun – The vines need at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Morning sun is ideal.
- Air circulation – Avoid planting in enclosed areas with poor air movement.
- Support structure – Provide a trellis, arbor, fence, or other structure for the vine to climb on.
- Size – Give the vine room to grow, at least 6-12 feet from buildings, trees and other plants.
- Soil – Well-draining soil is essential. Amend clay or sandy soils at planting.
- Water access – Plant near a faucet or sprinkler system to simplify watering.
Select a spot against a supportive structure like a trellis or arbor. Face it east or south for optimal sun exposure. Make sure the location allows enough room for the mature size of the vine.
How to prepare the soil
Preparing the soil well helps the hummingbird trumpet vine establish roots and grow stronger. Here are some tips for soil preparation:
Test the soil pH
Test your soil pH with a kit from a garden center. The ideal pH range for trumpet vines is 5.5 to 7.0. If the pH is too high or low, add amendments like sulfur or lime a few weeks before planting to correct it.
Add compost and fertilizer
Work 2-3 inches of well-aged compost into the soil where you will plant the vine. Compost improves drainage in heavy soils and water retention in sandy soils. Mix in a balanced organic fertilizer following package directions.
Loosen the soil
Till or use a spading fork to loosen the top 12 inches of soil to allow the vine’s roots to spread easily underground. Break up any compacted areas.
Create a raised mound
Building a raised mound of soil 12-18 inches tall improves drainage and gives the vine an extra boost. Amend and loosen the mound so roots penetrate easily.
Selecting the right vines
Look for trumpet vine plants at your local nursery in spring or fall. Here’s what to look for:
- Root ball – Select vines in 1-3 gallon containers with healthy root systems.
- Stem size – Stems should be 1/4 inch thick. Avoid plants with thin weak stems.
- Leaf buds – Leaves should be green and firm with no yellowing.
- Label – Choose vines labeled Campsis radicans from reputable growers.
Another option is to start trumpet vine from cuttings in water or moist potting mix. Take 6 inch cuttings from healthy vines in early summer. Remove the lower leaves and place the cut end in water or potting mix until roots develop in 4-6 weeks. Then plant the rooted cuttings outside.
How to plant
Follow these steps for planting your hummingbird trumpet vine:
- Dig a hole 2-3 times as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Roughen the sides and bottom of the hole with a garden fork.
- Place the vine in the hole. The top should be level with the ground. Spread the roots evenly.
- Backfill the hole with the soil, breaking up any clumps. Press the soil gently around the base. Form a shallow basin shape.
- Water thoroughly until the soil is moistened at least 8 inches down. Add more soil if needed after watering to cover the roots.
- Spread 2-3 inches of mulch like bark chips, leaves or straw around the base. Keep it a few inches from the stem.
Once planted, remove any flowers the first year so the vine directs energy to root development instead. Water the vine 1-2 times per week for the first 2 months, and weekly after that if rainfall is less than 1 inch.
How to prune
Pruning a hummingbird trumpet vine encourages fullness and abundant flowering. Here are some tips:
- Prune each year in late winter before new growth begins.
- Cut back long shoots to 4-6 buds from the base to encourage branching.
- Remove weak or damaged growth. Also remove any stems growing toward the wall or away from the structure.
- Maintain an open vase shape, thinning inner growth for air circulation.
- Prune lightly after the first flush of summer flowers fades to encourage a second bloom.
- Disinfect pruning tools with isopropyl alcohol between cuts to prevent disease spread.
- Wear protective gear when pruning mature vines since they have sharp thorns.
Remove any roots or stems that start growing into your yard or gardens. The trumpet vine grows very fast, so diligent pruning keeps it in bounds.
How to provide support
Hummingbird trumpet vines use their aerial roots to cling and climb up structures. Provide a support early on for the vine to latch onto. Here are suitable support options:
Trellis
Install a large wooden or metal trellis against a wall or fence. Position it facing east or south. The open spaces allow air movement to prevent diseases.
Arbor
Build or buy a freestanding arbor and train the vines along the top and sides. Place the arbor where you want lush, flowering foliage.
Fence
Plant next to a sturdy tall fence aligned east-west. The vine will climb directly up the fence. Install wire fencing inside the fence for extra support if needed.
Strings
Tie strings in a grid pattern to a wall or frame. Guide the vine along the strings until it attaches itself.
Check the support often to train the vine and attach any loose stems. Prune away growth heading in the wrong direction. Make sure the support structure can handle the mature size and weight of the trumpet vines.
How to fertilize
Fertilizing a trumpet vine encourages strong growth and prolific flowering. Use a balanced organic fertilizer with an NPK ratio like 10-10-10. Follow these fertilizing tips:
- Fertilize 3 times per year – in early spring, mid summer, and early fall.
- Use 1/4 cup of fertilizer per plant. Sprinkle around the base of the vine and work lightly into the soil.
- For vines growing up walls, spread the fertilizer along the length of the support structure’s base.
- Liquid fertilizers like fish emulsion or compost tea can be used instead of granules.
- Always water the fertilizer into the soil to prevent root burn.
- Excess fertilizer can cause leggy growth and few flowers. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Test the soil nutrients every 2-3 years with a soil test. This helps you adjust your fertilizing routine and correct any deficiencies.
How to water
Consistent watering is crucial while the trumpet vine establishes itself the first year. Mature vines are quite drought tolerant. Follow these watering guidelines:
- Water 2 times per week for newly planted vines, or when the top 4 inches of soil become dry.
- Water weekly during the first summer if rainfall totals under 1 inch per week.
- After establishment, water mature vines only if rainfall drops below 1 inch per week.
- Soak the entire root zone around the vines, not just the surface. Water slowly and deeply.
- Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to target the root area. Avoid watering the vine leaves.
- Drooping leaves, loss of color or slowed growth indicate underwatering. Yellowing lower leaves can signal overwatering.
Adjust watering routines for very rainy or dry periods. Add mulch around the vines to slow evaporation. Group vines with plants sharing similar water needs.
How to treat pests and diseases
Hummingbird trumpet vines are generally tough and hardy plants when grown under the proper conditions. But they can still be affected by some pests and diseases, especially if stressed. Here are tips for prevention and treatment:
Common pests
- Aphids – Spray a strong stream of water to dislodge them from leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations.
- Spider mites – Knock them off with a strong blast of water. Apply sulfur dust or insecticidal soap if they persist.
- Japanese beetles – Hand pick beetles and use pheromone traps to capture. Milky spore treatments can be applied to lawn areas.
Diseases
- Powdery mildew – Improve air circulation around vines. Use fungicidal soap weekly until it clears.
- Leaf spot – Remove and destroy affected leaves. Improve drainage and ventilation around plants.
- Root rot – Plant in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. Treat fungal infections with fungicides.
Prevent most problems by selecting disease-resistant varieties, following proper planting guidelines and using good cultural practices. Quickly treat any issues before they spread or become severe.
Conclusion
Planting a hummingbird trumpet vine takes some preparation but pays off in beauty. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Select an ideal planting location with full sun, well-draining soil and support structure.
- Prepare the soil well with compost and fertilizer amendments.
- Plant high-quality vines timed for spring or fall planting periods.
- Water and fertilize vines consistently to encourage strong growth.
- Prune vines each year to maximize flowers and maintain shape.
- Provide sturdy support for vines to climb and attach to.
- Monitor for pests and diseases and treat promptly if found.
With the right care, your trumpet vines will soon be lush, flowering showstoppers attracting hummingbirds galore. The vibrant orange blooms and darting hummers bring excitement to any garden.
