Photo: Tyler BishopCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Trumpet Vine Plant Care
Campsis radicans (L.) Seem.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its vibrant trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange and red, this plant originates from the southeastern United States. Plant collectors are drawn to Campsis radicans for its ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, adding a touch of natural beauty to any garden.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–90°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Trumpet Vine?
Water Trumpet Vine every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Trumpet Vine Native To?
What Is the Trumpet Vine?
Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans) belongs to the Bignoniaceae family within the Campsis genus. Trumpet Vine is native to eastern North America, and naturalized else. Trumpet Vine is also known as Trumpet Creeper, Cow Itch.
Trumpet Vine displays a vigorous climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Trumpet Vine produces showy trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Trumpet Vine?
Campsis radicans requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Trumpet Vine Need?
Trumpet Vine thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Trumpet Vine Prefer?
Campsis radicans grows best at temperatures of 50–90°F. Trumpet Vine prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Trumpet Vine?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Trumpet Vine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Trumpet Vine?
Feed Trumpet Vine every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Trumpet Vine?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Trumpet Vine?
Trumpet Vine can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese trumpet vine plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Trumpet Vine Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Trumpet Vine, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Trumpet Vine?
Trumpet Vine is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Trumpet Vine Need?
Trumpet Vine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Trumpet Vine is native to eastern North America, and naturalized else.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Trumpet Vine is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Campsis genus — compare its care with other Campsis species on PlantoScan.
Campsis is part of the Bignoniaceae plant family — browse all Bignoniaceae genera and species.
Trumpet Vine thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Campsis radicans (L.) Seem., family Bignoniaceae (first published in J. Bot. 5: 372, fig. 2. 1867 [1 Dec 1867] : erroneous record) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Trumpet Vine, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Tyler Bishop, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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