What Is Trumpet Vine?

Trumpet vines

The Greek word kampe means bent in reference to the bent stamens on the plant flowers. rooting stems is the specific epithet. Trumpet vine is also known as cow-itch vine because some people experience skin redness and itching after coming in contact with the leaves.

Trumpet Creeper climbs up trees, shrubs, telephone poles, and other vertical structures using aerial rootlets, otherwise it sprawls across the ground. Trumpet vine is a dense, vigorous, fast growing vine that grows about 12 m or 40 feet in height. The plant is found in a wide range of places, from low woods to neglected fields to swamp forests.

It is easy to grow in a variety of soils. It is best planted in soils with regular moistness and shade. The plant has vigorous running roots and aerial roots that are formed in 2 rows below the stem.

The leaves are pinnately compound and cover the vine in a dense cloak of green foliage. The leaf has 7-11 ovate or elliptically toothed leaflets. The leaflets are glossy, bright green and unpalatable to mammals.

The Growth and Habitability of the Trumpet Vine

The leaves of the Trumpet vine are glossy dark green and have seven to 11 elliptic or oblong leaflets that are 4 inches long. The foliage is yellow in the fall. During the summer months, trumpet-shaped flowers appear and are around 1 to 3 inches long.

Trumpet vines are best planted in the spring or early fall. Trumpet vines are usually free of pests or diseases. During periods of dry weather, fertilization is not necessary and watering is not required.

Trumpet vines are a high-maintenance plant and need minimal care. Pruning your vine, providing supports to control growth and spread, and removing seedpods to discourage self seediing are some of the tasks necessary to keep trumpet vine under control. The seeds are similar to milkweed seeds, with each seed attached to white fluff that allows the seeds to be carried by wind.

Trumpet vines have good tolerance to the weather. They only need to be watered when there are obvious signs of withering. The plants will be kept healthy if the rain is enough.

Trumpet vines are easy to grow and will provide a beautiful cover in addition to habitat for birds and food for the bees. Keep in mind the drawbacks of the trumpet vine when choosing a good location. Once established, annual maintenance will allow you to enjoy the plant for many years.