Trumpet vines (Campsis radicans) are beautiful flowering vines that produce showy, trumpet-shaped orange or red blooms during the summer. However, they can also attract certain critters into your yard. Here’s a look at what trumpet vines attract and tips for dealing with trumpet vine pests.
Birds
Trumpet vines attract birds with their bright colors and nectar. Hummingbirds in particular are attracted to trumpet vines and will come to sip the nectar from the tubular flowers. Orioles may also occasionally visit trumpet vines.
Attracting birds can be a benefit, as they can help control insect pests in your yard. However, some birds like orioles may poke holes in the flowers looking for insects, damaging the blooms. Use bird feeders stocked with fruit and nectar away from your vines to divert these birds.
Butterflies and Moths
Butterflies and moths, especially large species like swallowtails and sphinx moths, are also attracted to the nectar of trumpet vine flowers. You’ll often see them visiting the vines when they are in bloom.
Seeing butterflies and moths on your trumpet vines is usually a benefit, as these pollinators help the vines produce seeds. Certain caterpillars may feed on the leaves but generally do not do significant damage.
Bees
Bees gather nectar and pollen from trumpet vines. Bumblebees in particular seek out trumpet vine flowers. Honeybees may also frequent the vines.
Like butterflies and moths, bee visitors help pollinate your vines. Watching the acrobatics of bees on your vines can also be entertaining.
Hummingbird Moths
Hummingbird moth species such as the sphinx moth have long tongues that can reach deep into trumpet flowers. They hover in front of the blooms and unfurl their tongues to sip nectar, similar to hummingbirds. In fact, they are often mistaken for hummingbirds.
Hummingbird moths do no harm to the vines – their resemblance to hummingbirds is simply fascinating to observe in your garden.
Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees are large, shiny black bees that nest by tunneling into wood. At times, they may take advantage of trumpet vines by hollowing out the pith in the vines’ stems to make nests.
Carpenter bee damage reduces the structural integrity of vines and makes them more susceptible to breaking. Keep an eye out for perfectly round holes surrounded by lots of sawdust-like debris, a sign of carpenter bee nests. Pruning away damaged stems can help reduce further carpenter bee issues.
Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles are a very common pest of ornamental plants, and they will feed on trumpet vine leaves and flowers. The adult beetles are metallic green and about 1/2 inch long.
They skeletonize leaves and flowers, leaving only veins or petals behind. Heavy feeding can negatively impact the appearance and growth of the vines. Use Japanese beetle traps and targeted pesticides to control them.
Aphids
Small grey-green aphids sometimes cluster on the tips of new trumpet vine growth, where they suck plant sap. The buildup of sticky honeydew and growth of sooty mold can occur. Aphids rarely do serious harm to established vines.
Blast aphids off plants with water, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil for control. They have many natural predators, so avoid broad spectrum insecticides.
Scale Insects
Soft and armored scale insects may settle on trumpet vine stems and leaves. They suck sap, causing yellow spotting on leaves or dieback of stems if populations are high.
Prune away heavily infested stems. Dormant oil or insecticidal soap can smother scales. Insecticides may also be used in severe cases.
Leafhoppers
Tiny, wedge-shaped leafhoppers occasionally feed on trumpet vines, sucking sap and causing stippling damage. They are most common on younger vines.
Leafhoppers rarely require control. Insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other insecticides can be used if populations explode and damage is extensive.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are unusual pests that may gather in protected areas on trumpet vines, such as leaf axils and under loose bark. These small, oval insects secrete a powdery white wax.
Blast mealybugs off with a strong spray of water. Insecticidal soap and horticultural oils are also effective solutions. Heavy infestations may require insecticide applications.
Thrips
Thrips are tiny insects that feed on and rasp plant tissues. They can cause silvery-white stippling on trumpet vine leaves. Flowers may also become discolored from thrip feeding.
Thrips are most problematic on young vines. Sticky traps can help monitor for thrips. Insecticidal soap, neem oil and other insecticides may be used if warranted.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that thrive in hot, dry conditions. They suck sap and cause a speckling or bronzing of trumpet vine leaves. Fine webbing may cover infested areas.
Blast vines with water to dislodge mites. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control outbreaks. Heavy infestations may require miticide applications.
Conclusion
Trumpet vines attract an array of pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds that are beneficial to the plants. However, some critters like Japanese beetles, aphids, and scale can be problematic pests. Monitor vines for these insects and use organic or chemical controls as needed to prevent major damage.
With proper care, you can enjoy the showy flowers of trumpet vines while minimizing problems from the pests they attract.
