Hummingbirds are attracted to certain species of trumpet vines more than others. The color, shape, and nectar content of the flowers all play a role in hummingbird preferences. In this article, we’ll explore the most popular trumpet vines for hummingbirds and what makes them so appealing.
Trumpet Vine Species that Attract Hummingbirds
There are several trumpet vine species belonging to the genus Campsis that are magnets for hummingbirds in North America. The most popular include:
- Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans) – Also called common trumpet vine, trumpet creeper has orange-red flowers that hummingbirds find irresistible. It is the most widespread Campsis species and grows in USDA zones 4-9.
- Cross Vine (Campsis x tagliabuana) – A hybrid between trumpet creeper and Chinese trumpet vine, cross vine produces thick clusters of reddish-orange blooms. It thrives in USDA zones 6-9.
- Chinese Trumpet Vine (Campsis grandiflora) – Native to China and Japan, Chinese trumpet vine features large orange flowers up to 3 inches long. It grows best in USDA zones 7-9.
- Madame Galen Trumpet Vine (Campsis x ‘Madame Galen’) – This hybrid has extra large blooms in a peach-apricot hue. It does well in USDA zones 6-9.
- Fern Leaf Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans ‘Flava’) – A variety of trumpet creeper, fern leaf trumpet vine has finer foliage and yellow trumpet-shaped flowers. It grows in zones 4-9.
While other Campsis vines will attract hummingbirds, these varieties are champions when it comes to drawing in these energetic little birds.
Why Hummingbirds Love Trumpet Vines
There are several key reasons why hummingbirds gravitate toward trumpet vines:
- Flower shape – The long, tubular flowers perfectly match a hummingbird’s slender beak and tongue which allows them to easily access the nectar.
- Bright colors – Vivid orange and red blooms attract hummingbirds visually. These colors also indicate a good nectar source.
- High nectar content – Abundant, high-quality nectar provides essential energy.
- Continuous blooming – Trumpet vines bloom repetitively from spring to fall, providing a constant food supply.
- Native plants – Native trumpet vines like trumpet creeper have co-evolved with local hummingbirds.
With their tubular blossoms in hummingbird-enticing colors and plentiful nectar, trumpet vines are like magnets for these tiny, whirring birds. Plus, the vines bloom over a long season, providing an ongoing nectar source when not much else is in flower.
Planting Trumpet Vines for Hummingbirds
To make your garden as welcoming as possible for hummingbirds, follow these tips when planting trumpet vines:
- Select a full sun location. Trumpet vines need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive and produce abundant blooms.
- Prepare the soil well with compost and other organic matter to encourage vigorous growth.
- Water young vines regularly until their root systems are fully established.
- Consider planting more than one type of trumpet vine to provide blooms in different colors.
- Avoid pruning or deadheading flowers during peak hummingbird season so nectar is always available.
- Plant trumpet vines near nectar-rich flowering plants like bee balm, fuchsia, and sage to create a hummingbird hot spot!
With excellent site preparation and care, trumpet vines will flourish and reward you with endless hummingbird visitors all season long.
How to Tell Which Trumpet Vine Hummingbirds Prefer
The best way to determine which trumpet vine variety hummingbirds favor in your garden is through direct observation. Watch to see which plants attract the most bird activity and take note of the following signs:
- Hummingbirds visiting the vine frequently throughout the day
- Multiple hummingbirds jostling for position on one vine
- Hummingbirds returning to the same vine repeatedly
- Fierce territorial behavior by dominant birds to control the vine
- Nesting or perching by hummingbirds in the vine when not in bloom
Keep track of when your trumpet vines bloom and how many hummingbird visits they receive. This will reveal which varieties the birds prefer over the season based on their behavior. The ones that receive the most frequent hummingbird traffic are the top favorites.
Comparing the Most Popular Trumpet Vines
Trumpet creeper, Chinese trumpet vine, and cross vine are among the most preferred by hummingbirds. Here’s an overview of how they compare:
Trumpet Vine | Flower Color | Flower Size | Bloom Time | Hardiness |
---|---|---|---|---|
Trumpet Creeper | Orange-red | 2-3 inches | Early summer to fall | Zones 4-9 |
Chinese Trumpet Vine | Orange | 3+ inches | Summer to fall | Zones 7-9 |
Cross Vine | Reddish-orange | 2-3 inches | Spring to summer | Zones 6-9 |
Trumpet creeper probably wins as the overall favorite, with its early and long bloom time, hardiness, and classic orange-red flowers. But cross vine and Chinese trumpet provide color diversity and extended bloom periods to give hummingbirds consistent nectar through the seasons.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds to Trumpet Vines
Here are some extra pointers to help you draw more hummingbirds to the trumpet vines in your yard:
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new flower production.
- Apply fertilizer high in phosphorus in early spring to promote flowering.
- Provide a nearby water source like a mister, fountain, or bird bath.
- Avoid pesticides which can poison hummingbirds or kill insect food sources.
- Supplement with nectar feeders and mobility to further entice hummingbirds.
- Plant lots of nectar flowers nearby like zinnias, bee balm, and snapdragons.
With the right care and companion plantings, your trumpet vines will buzz with happy hummingbirds from early summer through fall!
Strategically Place Your Trumpet Vines
To maximize visibility and enjoyment of hummingbirds visiting your trumpet vines, be strategic about placement in the garden. Consider these tips:
- Plant vines along fences, arbors, and trellises where the flowers can be viewed up close.
- Position vines near windows and patios for easy birdwatching.
- Allow plenty of space around vines so hummingbirds have safe access.
- Avoid planting near reflective surfaces which can confuse and intimidate hummingbirds.
- Select spots protected from strong wind which makes it hard for hummingbirds to feed.
With good placement, your trumpet vines can provide a fantastic hummingbird show while blooming every season!
Common Problems to Avoid with Trumpet Vines
Trumpet vines are hardy, easy to grow plants with few issues. But here are some potential problems to watch for:
- Invasive growth – Trumpet creeper, in particular, can spread aggressively. Keep vines under control by pruning back and planting in containers.
- Insufficient sunlight – Without full sun exposure, flower production will be reduced.
- Overwatering – Take care not to overwater trumpet vines or leaves may yellow and drop.
- Leaf spot diseases – Prevent by watering at the base of plants rather than wetting foliage.
- Aphids – Control these nectar-sucking pests by spraying with a strong stream of water.
By providing trumpet vines with their preferred growing conditions and practicing prevention, you can avoid most issues and keep your hummingbirds happily fed all season!
FAQs about Trumpet Vines and Hummingbirds
What is the best trumpet vine for hummingbirds?
Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans) is considered the overall best trumpet vine for attracting hummingbirds. It has bright orange-red blooms with an abundance of nectar from early to late summer.
Should I deadhead trumpet vine flowers?
Only deadhead spent blooms if needed to tidy up vines. Otherwise, leave old flowers in place for hummingbirds and other pollinators to continue feeding on residual nectar.
How fast do trumpet vines grow?
Trumpet vines grow vigorously and can extend 10 to 20 feet in one season. Pruning and trellising helps keep growth under control.
Do trumpet vines come back every year?
Trumpet vines are hardy perennials that come back reliably every spring in zones 4 to 9. The vines go dormant in winter then regenerate from the roots each year.
Should trumpet vines be cut back in winter?
Prune trumpet vines back to 6 to 8 feet tall each winter before new growth begins in spring. This controls size and promotes fuller growth and more flowers.
Conclusion
For devoted hummingbird gardeners, the vibrant blooms of trumpet vines are sure to become a fast favorite. By choosing varieties with abundant nectar in colors that appeal most to hummingbirds, providing proper care and placement, and avoiding common problems, these vines will attract hummingbird activity from spring through fall. Your garden will soon be buzzing happily with the flashes and whirs of these energetic little pollinators!