How to plant a Campsis?

Plant in spring in rich, well-drained soil. Set up a sturdy support (trellis, pergola) as Campsis becomes heavy over the years. Water regularly during the first year.

What exposure does a Campsis need?

Full sun is essential for abundant flowering. Campsis needs 6-8 hours of sun per day. The more sun it gets, the more it blooms.

Is the Campsis hardy?

Yes, very hardy down to -20°C once established. Campsis may lose its above-ground parts in harsh winters but will regrow vigorously from the base in spring.

How to train a Campsis to climb?

Guide young stems onto a sturdy support (trellis, pergola, wire mesh). Campsis clings with aerial roots and can reach 8-10 meters in height.

Why is my Campsis not flowering?

Lack of sun, plant too young, or incorrect pruning. Campsis starts flowering around 3-5 years. Ensure full sun and prune in late winter to encourage blooming.

How to prune a Campsis?

Prune in late winter (February-March) before growth begins. Remove dead wood and shorten stems to control vigor and promote flowering.

Is the Campsis invasive?

Yes, Campsis can be vigorous and produce suckers. Watch for shoots at the base and remove them regularly. Install a root barrier if necessary.

Can you grow a Campsis in a pot?

Possible but difficult. Campsis prefers open ground. In a pot, choose a very large container (80-100 cm) with sturdy support and regular watering.

When does the Campsis bloom?

Flowering from July to September. Campsis produces beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers in orange, red, or yellow depending on the variety, much loved by hummingbirds and pollinating insects.

Campsis — the trumpet vine, a climbing plant with blazing trumpet-shaped flowers

From July to September, the Campsis covers walls and pergolas with large trumpet-shaped flowers in red, orange, or pink. Vigorous, hardy, and suitable for growing in pots, it is the most spectacular climbing plant of the summer.

The Campsis, also known as trumpet vine or Virginia trumpet creeper, is the most flamboyant climbing plant of the summer. Its large trumpet-shaped flowers, in shades of red, orange, and pink, burst with color from July to September and attract hummingbirds and butterflies. A spectacular plant for a wall, pergola, or sunny balcony.

Our Campsis varieties

The Campsis 'Summer Jazz Fire Trumpet' is a compact selection ideal for container growing: controlled habit, intense red trumpet-shaped blooms, and less invasive growth than the typical species. The Campsis 'Indian Summer' offers bright orange flowers on vigorous stems — it is the most floriferous variety. The Campsis 'Pink Panther' adds a touch of originality with its salmon-pink trumpets, rarer and softer, contrasting with the classic trumpet vine colors.

Growing a Campsis in a pot on a balcony

Campsis grows very well in a pot, provided you offer it a container at least 30 to 40 cm deep and a sturdy support to guide its stems. The 'Summer Jazz Fire Trumpet' variety is best suited for small spaces thanks to its compact habit. Plan for a trellis, stretched wires, or a railing: Campsis clings with adventitious roots but appreciates guidance during the first years. Check out our article choosing the right pot and explore our collection setting up my balcony.

Exposure: full sun required

Campsis is a full sun plant. The more light and warmth it receives, the more abundant its flowering. A south or southwest-facing wall is the ideal location: the heat stored by the wall extends the flowering season. In partial shade, the plant grows but flowers much less. Campsis is therefore reserved for well-exposed balconies and terraces. Find our other plants for these locations in the full sun plants and plants for sunny balconies collections.

Care and pruning

Campsis is a vigorous plant that requires little care once established. Water regularly during the first year to encourage rooting, then less frequently — trumpet vine tolerates drought well once established. Pruning is done in late winter: cut back last year’s shoots to 2-3 buds on the main framework. This hard pruning stimulates flowering because Campsis blooms on current year’s wood. Applying fertilizer in spring encourages flower bud development. Our month-by-month care calendar helps you plan the right actions at the right time.

Hardiness

Campsis is a hardy plant that withstands temperatures down to -15°C, or even lower for the hardiest varieties. In pots, protect the container with a frost cloth during prolonged freezes to prevent root damage. The above-ground parts may freeze in harsh winters, but the plant regrows vigorously from the base in spring. Find our other cold-resistant plants in the hardy and resistant collection.

Pairing Campsis with other climbers

Campsis blooms in summer, making it complementary to spring-flowering climbers. Pair it with a clematis for spring, a star jasmine for summer fragrance, and a wisteria for the April-May spectacle. Together, these climbers ensure continuous flowering from spring to autumn. Browse our climbers and ground covers, balconies and terraces, and flowering plants collections to create your ensemble.