Trumpet vine Campsis radicans
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Bignoniaceae family, native to Eastern and south-eastern United States. It grows 6–10 m (20–33 ft) tall and 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
Plan Trumpet vine in your garden →
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Trumpet vine at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
| Mature height | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 9–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern and south-eastern United States |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Invasive in | Australia (environmental weed, localised), Parts of Europe (naturalised; suckers aggressively in gardens): check local rules before planting |
Is Trumpet vine toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: sap, leaves
Sap and leaves can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive people; ingestion is not well documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Trumpet vine
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Trumpet vine
- How far apart should I plant Trumpet vine?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft).
- Does Trumpet vine need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Trumpet vine need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Trumpet vine?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Trumpet vine flower?
- From about July for 9–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Trumpet vine poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Sap and leaves can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive people; ingestion is not well documented.
- What grows well with Trumpet vine?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Trumpet vine. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Vigorous suckering root system; seedlings may take 7 or more years to flower, grafted or cutting-raised plants 2 to 4. Aerial roots can damage soft masonry.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Cape honeysuckle Tecoma capensis
- Jacaranda Jacaranda mimosifolia
- Pink trumpet tree (ipê) Handroanthus impetiginosus
- African tulip tree (Nandi flame) Spathodea campanulata
- Nile tulip (markhamia) Markhamia lutea
- Desert willow Chilopsis linearis
- Indian bean tree (southern catalpa) Catalpa bignonioides
- Rosy trumpet tree (chomphu phanthip) Tabebuia rosea