Hummingbirds swarm to the tubular blossoms, so to make the birdies happy, everyone should plant this vine, right? Hell, no. Trumpet vine is not nice. Using aerial rootlets, it climbs trees about as fast as fighting squirrels, and ascends 40 feet or more.
It flowers form seeds that drop to the ground, making more vines that do the same thing. Even more sinister are its spreading roots that submarine underground far from the original plant and pop up suckers everywhere. Fighting rampant trumpet vines is a war you can't win without herbicide. You might as well plant poison ivy another excellent native plant! This technique of planting in a sunken, bottomless pot also is used to control mint in the garden. If routinely removing the offshoots does not work for your schedule, it may be best to remove the trumpet vine and replace it with a less aggressive vine such as clematis.
You may want to wear gloves when working with a trumpet vine, as some people experience skin redness and itching after contact with the foliage. Suckering may persist for some time after you dig out the plant, so plan on some follow-up weeding for a few years. The Madam Galen does spread quickly when planted in an ideal location but it is not as aggressive as one of its parent plants, the Campsis radicans.
The Santa Fe soils, which are not known for rich nutrients, help to keep its spread in check. Pruning is best if done in February or March. Long, bean-shaped pods follow the flowers. The pods will split to release many 2-winged seeds that are dispersed by the wind. Hummingbirds, butterflies and Sphinx Moths frequent this plant throughout the summer.
Although it is generally pest free, the roots of a newly planted Trumpet vine could tempt gophers. If you want to grow the vine on a structure like a garage or outbuilding, try hanging wire across the surface. This gives the trumpet vine something to attach to and makes it easier for you to take care of necessary pruning throughout the growing season. Like many vines, the oldest part of the plant becomes woody and mature trumpet vines can develop a trunk the size of a small tree or sapling.
Large mature plants are more likely to send up "baby" plants through underground runners. If discovered when still small, these young plants can sometimes be pulled up and disposed of. Once a good root system is established, the task of eradicating becomes more difficult.
The plant may have to be dug out using a trowel or shovel. Small shoots that pop up in your lawn can usually be kept in check by keeping them mowed down with the grass. As a last resort, an herbicide can be applied. Choose the correct spray by checking the label to make sure trumpet vine is on the list of plants affected. Cut the vine back as close to the ground as possible and spray the stump. Then cover the stump with an old coffee can or something similar.
If necessary, protect neighboring plants with a cardboard shield to avoid overspray. Despite a reputation for being difficult to maintain, trumpet vines are easy to grow and will provide a beautiful cover in addition to habitat for nesting birds and food for pollinators. Choose a good location for your trumpet vine keeping in mind some of its drawbacks. Once established, annual maintenance will become routine and allow you to enjoy the plant for many years. Campsis Radicans. North Carolina State University Extension.
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