Trumpet flowers, also known as trumpet vines or trumpet creepers, refer to a variety of brightly colored, trumpet-shaped flowers that grow on vines. Some of the most popular trumpet flowers used in flower arrangements and baskets include:
- Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) – Features large, orange-red blooms on robust vines.
- Chilean jasmine (Mandevilla laxa) – Produces clusters of vibrant red trumpet-shaped flowers.
- Clockvine (Thunbergia grandiflora) – Bears delicate, sky blue trumpet blooms on slender vines.
- Angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia spp.) – A tropical plant with very large, pendulous trumpet flowers in shades of white, yellow, pink and orange.
- Madame Galen trumpet vine (Campsis x tagliabuana) – A hybrid with massive red and orange trumpets.
These brightly colored, showy flowers make them very desirable for use in flower arrangements. Their long, tubular petals have an elegant, almost regal appearance. When combined with other flowers, they create gorgeous focal points and add drama, vibrancy and texture.
Why Use Trumpet Flowers in Baskets?
There are several reasons why trumpet flowers are an excellent choice for flower baskets and arrangements:
Height and Volume
Trumpet vines grow vigorously and produce abundant blooms on trailing vines that can reach up to 20-30 feet long in ideal conditions. This makes them perfect for cascading over the edges of hanging baskets and window boxes, providing beautiful draping effects. The abundance of long, tubular blooms also means trumpet flowers add fullness, volume and height.
Vibrant Colors
Trumpet flowers come in dazzling colors like orange, red, pink, yellow and purple. These vivid hues make them stand out in arrangements. They create eye-catching displays when combined with greens like ivy or ferns. Their bright colors evoke happy emotions in viewers.
Unique Shape
The distinctive, flared shape of trumpet flowers lend interesting forms to arrangements. Their tubular petals have an elegant, almost regal look. Using trumpet shaped blooms provides variation in shape compared to round, daisy-type flowers.
Tropical Allure
Tropical varieties like Mandevilla and angel’s trumpet have an exotic, sultry appearance. They evoke a sense of paradise and romance. Using them in flower baskets creates the feeling of a luxury tropical getaway.
Wonderful Fragrance
Many trumpet flowers like Mandevilla and angel’s trumpet are delightfully fragrant. When used in indoor baskets and arrangements, they will gently perfume the air. Their sweet aromas enhance the sensory appeal.
Best Trumpet Flowers for Baskets
While all trumpet flowers can be used to great effect in baskets and arrangements, some of the best include:
Mandevilla
This tropical plant is ideal for hanging baskets in frost-free climates. It flowers throughout summer and fall. The vining plant cascades elegantly with clusters of fragrant, trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of red, pink, yellow and white. Provide full sun exposure.
Chilean Jasmine
Also known as Mandevilla laxa, the Chilean jasmine thrives in hanging baskets in USDA zones 9-11. It rambles attractively with vibrant red trumpets contrasting against shiny green foliage. Grow in well-drained soil and provide full sunlight.
Angel’s Trumpet
For stunning tropical effects, use angel’s trumpet. Ideal in zones 9-11, it can reach up to 8 feet tall and produces huge, pendulous blooms. Provide rich, fertile soil and full sun. Take care as the plant is poisonous.
Trumpet Vine
A fast growing, hardy vine that produces vivid orange-red blooms through summer and fall. Great for zones 4-9 in hot, sunny spots. Can be pruned to control spread. Hummingbirds love the nectar-rich flowers.
Clockvine
Also known as blue trumpet vine, this fast-growing plant bears dainty blue trumpet blooms amid attractive green foliage. Ideal for zones 9-11, provide sun to light shade. Looks beautiful spilling from hanging baskets with its blue trumpets swaying in the breeze.
Tips for Planting Trumpet Flowers in Baskets
Follow these tips to successfully grow trumpet flowers in baskets:
- Use a high quality, well-draining potting mix suitable for vines and hanging baskets.
- Include slow release fertilizer at planting to provide nutrients for several months.
- Water thoroughly after planting and provide 1-2 inches of water per week during growing season.
- Hang baskets in locations with full sun exposure for optimal flowering.
- Prune back wayward vines to encourage bushy, compact growth habit.
- Protect more tender varieties like Mandevilla from cold and frost when required.
- Refresh baskets by repotting and trimming vines each spring before new growth begins.
Combining Trumpet Flowers with Other Plants
While trumpet flowers make beautiful focal points on their own, combining them with other plants enhances their appeal.
Trailing Foliage
Team trumpet flowers with trailing greens like ivy, lysimachia, dichondra or creeping jenny. This provides an attractive backdrop for the vivid trumpet blooms to stand out against.
Cascading Blooms
For beautifully draping baskets, combine with other cascading flowers like petunias, calibrachoa, scaevola and million bells (Calibrachoa).
Cool Hues
The hot colors of trumpet blooms contrast gorgeously with cool blue and purple flowers like lobelia, ageratum, nemesia and pansies.
Complementary Shades
Choose companion plants with colors that complement the trumpet flowers. For orange trumpets, use blue or purple flowers. Pink and red trumpet blooms look stunning with white and silver foliage plants.
Textural Foliage
Add interesting textures by incorporating plants like grasses, ferns, coleus, coral bells and ivy. This also provides height variation.
UPRIGHT ACCENTS
Use tall, spiky plants like snapdragons, verbena, salvia or celosia in the center for vertical interest.
How to Care for Trumpet Flowers in Baskets
With proper care, trumpet flowers will flourish season after season in hanging baskets. Here are some tips:
- Water thoroughly and often enough to keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
- Apply diluted, bloom-boosting fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during growing season.
- Keep baskets in locations with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Trim back wayward shoots to encourage bushy growth habit.
- Protect from harsh weather by moving baskets into sheltered spots.
- Overwinter tender varieties like Mandevilla indoors or take cuttings to propagate new plants each spring.
- Refresh potting mix annually before new growth begins each spring.
With regular watering, feeding, pruning and protection from cold, trumpet flowers will thrive season after season in hanging baskets, providing vivid color and tropical allure.
Conclusion
With their vibrant colors, elegant tubular petals and vigorous vines, trumpet flowers are ideal for spilling attractively from hanging baskets and window boxes. Popular trumpet flowers like Mandevilla, angel’s trumpet, trumpet vine and Chilean jasmine thrive in containers, cascading gracefully while producing abundant, showy blooms.
Combining trumpet flowers with trailing greens, cool-hued blooms, complementary colors and textural foliage creates eye-catching displays. Provide ample sunlight, regular water and pruning to keep trumpet flowers flowering prolifically in baskets. With minimal care, these beautiful vines offer season-long color and tropical flair.