Hummingbird vines are fast growing flowering vines that are popularly grown in gardens to attract hummingbirds. There are a few different species of hummingbird vines, but some of the most common are trumpet vine, cross vine, and cypress vine.
Trumpet Vine
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is one of the most popular and fast growing hummingbird vines. It is native to the eastern United States and can grow up to 40 feet tall when supported. Trumpet vine gets its name from its bright orange-red trumpet shaped flowers that bloom during the summer. The flowers are a major attraction for hummingbirds, which have long slender beaks perfectly suited for reaching the nectar held deep within the trumpet blossoms.
Trumpet vine is a very vigorous grower and can spread rapidly. It grows best in full sun and will bloom more profusely with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Trumpet vine can be grown in most soil types but does best in slightly acidic, well-draining soil. It is important to provide sturdy support for trumpet vine as it climbs using aerial rootlets. An arbor, trellis or fence are good supports. Trumpet vine leaves out early in spring and blooms on new wood, so prune any time before spring growth begins. Be careful not to over prune, as this will reduce flowering.
Cross Vine
Cross vine (Bignonia capreolata) is a perennial semi-evergreen vine native to the southeastern United States. It is another excellent hummingbird attracting vine known for its unique cross-shaped flowers that bloom in spring. The flowers are tubular with four petals that spread out to form a cross shape and grow in clusters along the stem. The flowers are most commonly a brilliant red-orange color and about 2 inches long. Cross vine flowers have a lot of nectar and attract hummingbirds as well as butterflies and bees.
Cross vine is fast growing when conditions are right, and can reach heights of up to 50 feet. However, growth rate and height depend on the supporting structure. Provide a tall, sturdy support like a trellis, arbor or tree for cross vine to climb. It grows best in full sun to part shade and adapts to most soil conditions, including poor soils. However, it thrives best in moist, well-draining soil. Prune cross vine immediately after flowering by removing old flower stems to encourage new growth and blooms. Cross vine foliage is semi-evergreen in warm winter climates but may dieback in colder zones.
Cypress Vine
Cypress vine (Ipomoea quamoclit) is a fast growing annual flowering vine that thrives in hot, humid environments. It is native to tropical regions of the Americas. Cypress vine is named for its delicate, feathery foliage which resembles cypress trees. It is an exceptionally profuse bloomer, producing hundreds of small trumpet-shaped blooms over the growing season which make it highly attractive to hummingbirds.
Cypress vine flowers come in several colors including red, pink, white and bicolor. The red flowering varieties tend to be most popular. The flowers unfurl in the morning and close up at night. Cypress vine can grow 10-15 feet in one season and is easy to grow from seed. Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost has passed. It prefers full sun exposure and moderately fertile, well-draining soil. Provide a trellis, fence or arbor for climbing support. Keep cypress vine well-watered during hot, dry periods for best growth and flowering. Pinching back the shoot tips can help encourage branching and increase bloom production.
Comparing Growth Rate
When comparing the growth rate of these popular hummingbird vine species, trumpet vine and cypress vine are exceptionally fast growing. Under ideal growing conditions, trumpet vine can grow up to 20-30 feet in a single season. Cypress vine may reach 10-15 feet. Cross vine has a moderate growth rate and may reach 10-20 feet under ideal conditions.
The table below compares the growth rate and height potential of the vines:
| Vine | Growth Rate | Height Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Trumpet Vine | Very fast | Up to 40 feet |
| Cross Vine | Moderate | Up to 50 feet |
| Cypress Vine | Very fast | 10-15 feet |
As shown in the table, trumpet vine and cypress vine are classified as very fast growing, capable of growing up to several feet in a single season. Cross vine has a moderate growth rate compared to the other two species, but can still achieve impressive lengths given proper support.
Growing Conditions
While all three vines grow well in warm climates, cypress vine is the most heat-loving and requires hot and humid conditions to really thrive. Trumpet vine and cross vine are better adapted to cooler climates. Trumpet vine is the most cold hardy, while cypress vine is killed by frost and grown as an annual in cooler zones.
Trumpet vine and cross vine grow well in a variety of soil types and are quite drought tolerant once established. Cypress vine requires well-draining but moist soil and responds well to fertilization. Trumpet vine and cypress vine both need full sun exposure for best growth and flowering. Cross vine adapts to part shade conditions better than the other two.
All three vines require sturdy structures for climbing support and reach their full height potential only with adequate support. Cypress vine may only grow 3-4 feet if it does not have a structure for climbing and spreading out on. Trumpet vine and cross vine also produce much more prolific blooms when grown on an arbor, trellis or fence.
Maintenance
Trumpet vine, cross vine and cypress vine all require pruning to maximize flowering, control growth and maintain shape. Trumpet vine can be very invasive so pruning and containing growth is important. It should be pruned back hard each year before new growth starts. Cross vine flowers on old wood so prune immediately after flowering. Pinching back tips of cypress vine encourages bushier growth.
Water requirements vary between the species. Trumpet vine and cross vine are quite drought tolerant when established but need occasional watering during dry periods for best growth. Cypress vine needs to be kept consistently moist. Fertilization is usually not necessary for trumpet vine and cross vine but cypress vine benefits from monthly fertilizer applications when actively growing.
While trumpet vine and cross vine thrive for many years, cypress vine must be replanted annually as it is killed by frost. Trumpet vine and cross vine may need periodic rejuvenation pruning to control size and maintain vigor.
Conclusion
Of the popular hummingbird vines, trumpet vine and cypress vine are exceptionally fast growing under the right conditions. Trumpet vine can grow 20-30 feet in a season while cypress vine may reach 10-15 feet. Cross vine has a more moderate growth rate but can still achieve substantial length given proper support. All three vines require full sun, well-draining soil and sturdy structures for climbing to reach their maximum potential height.
While trumpet vine and cross vine are perennial and quite hardy, cypress vine must be replanted yearly. With its tropical origins, cypress vine also requires more heat and moisture than the other two species. Trumpet vine and cross vine are lower maintenance and better suited to cooler climates once established. With their profuse blooms and adaptation to a variety of soils and climates, trumpet vine and cross vine are excellent choices for fast growing hummingbird vines in gardens across the country.
