Campsis Radicans Bignonia Radicans Climber

Campsis Radicans or Bignonia Radicans, commonly known as Cow-itch Vine or Trumpet Vine, is a deciduous, climbing perennial grown for its trumpet-like blossoms. Floriferous and vigorous, this flowering climber is easy to grow and to care for. Borne on the multi-stemmed, woody wines, the foliage of Bignonia Radicans first appears in the spring. The pinnate, medium green leaves provide a beautiful backdrop for the tubular blossoms throughout the flowering season. The trumpet flowers unfold in the summer, and continue blooming through to late autumn. The scarlet and orange blossoms appear in clusters and can be up to 10 centimetres long. The exotic blossoms are followed by dark brown, bean-like seed pods, 5 to 15 centimetres in size. The recognizable blossoms of Trumpet-creeper attract birds and bees, and provide pollen and nectar for many pollinators, which is why this climber has an RHS Perfect for Pollinators Badge.

Native to the United States, Campsis Radicans is fairly undemanding when it comes to growing conditions. This twining climber will grow in any soil, as long as it’s moist but well-drained, and prefers a sunny spot in the garden. Planting this cultivar against a south-facing, sunny wall will be more than enough for this cultivar to thrive. Fully hardy in most of the United Kingdom, this floriferous perennial can survive even if the temperatures drop to 10 degrees below zero. Although quite tough once established, Bigonia Radicans will benefit from sheltering during the winter months. 

Vigorous and fast growing, Trumpet Vine needs a supporting structure to thrive and develop properly. Once established, this deciduous climber can be around 8 to 12 metres high, and 2 to 4 metres wide. This means that you need to carefully choose a location for this climber, as it will weigh a lot when it’s fully mature. In case you don’t have a garden structure like a pergola, arbour or a large, sturdy trellis, plant it against a sunny wall where Campsis Radicans can attach its aerial suckers and thrive.

Offering interest during summer and autumn, Trumpet Vine can be used to hide any unsightly walls or fences, with its lush foliage and abundant blossoms. In case you have a garden structure you’d like to adorn with a striking climber, this floriferous perennial is an excellent choice.

You may be interested in other climbers we have available.