Campsis Radicans Stromboli or Trumpet Vine

Campsis radicans Stromboli, commonly known as Trumpet Vine Stromboli (also called Trumpet Creeper), is a celebrated deciduous climber prized for its vigorous growth and vibrant trumpet‑shaped blooms. A standout cultivar of the native North American Campsis radicans, Stromboli is prized for its rich red flowers and robust structure—ideal for imparting dramatic flair to walls, pergolas and garden fencing.

Campsis Radicans Stromboli - Foliage
Featuring lush, pinnate leaves of 7–11 glossy, deep-green leaflets (up to c. 30 cm long), Stromboli brings a striking, exotic texture to late spring and summer borders. Leaves emerge in late April and maintain their sheen until autumn, offering a bold backdrop to its vivid bloom.

Campsis Radicans Stromboli - Flowers
From mid‑July through early autumn, clusters of sizeable trumpet‑style flowers—5–9 cm in length—grace the vine. The deep crimson outer petals with subtly veined yellow throats create vibrant terminal sprays that are not only visually arresting but also fragrant and irresistible to bees and butterflies. Blooming typically continues until the first frosts, ensuring a prolonged garden spectacle.

Compared with the standard orange form (C. radicans Bignonia), ‘Stromboli’ shows deeper red tones and a more assertive floral display, making it a superior choice for those seeking bold colour.

Native to the southeastern USA, Campsis radicans is often referred to by its botanical synonyms Bignonia radicans and Tecoma radicans. What sets the Stromboli variety apart is its dramatic deep red trumpet‑flowers and consistent display well into autumn—surpassing the typical orange‑flowered variants such as C. radicans Bignonia. With its exotic appearance, rapid growth and wildlife value, Stromboli is a top‑tier cultivar very popular by gardeners.

Height & Width of Campsis Radicans Stromboli
When provided with strong support—walls, trellises or pergolas—this vigorous climber can reach 7–10 m tall with a spread of 4–6 m. Over time, it confidently blankets structures in dense foliage and flower, producing a lush visual canopy.

How Hardy Is Campsis Radicans Stromboli?
Trumpet Vine Stromboli is fully hardy across most of the UK (RHS hardiness rating H4). Campsis Stromboli thrives even in cooler winters, enduring temperatures down to –10 °C. However, flowering performance improves greatly when grown against a warm, sunny wall or in a sheltered microclimate.

Uses in Garden & Landscape

• Architectural Feature: Stromboli Trumpet Vine is excellent for screening blank walls, fences or pergolas; its aerial rootlets cling naturally, eliminating the need for wires.
• Wildlife Magnet: Its trumpet blooms attract pollinators and hummingbirds, enriching biodiversity 
• Cottage & Informal Gardens: Adds exuberant, naturalistic charm to mixed borders.
• Privacy & Shading: The Stromboli Trumpet Vine provides a lush, floral cover ideal for courtyard screening or shaded seating areas.

Care Tips

1. Planting: Set in spring or autumn in moist, well‑drained soil enriched with organic matter. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot to maximise bloom.
2. Support & Training: Tie strong initial shoots into place. Support sturdy timber or wire framework as aerial roots attach slowly 
3. Pruning: Perform hard pruning in late winter—cut all previous season’s growth back to 2–3 live buds—to encourage prolific flowering 
4. Watering & Feeding: Maintain consistent moisture during establishment. Once mature, the plant is surprisingly drought‑tolerant. A balanced feed in spring supports vigorous new shoots.
5. Monitoring: Check regularly for aphids and honey fungus; prune as needed for shape and containment. Be aware of its spreading habit—regularly remove self‑seedlings or suckers to prevent unwelcome colonisation .

Bring a splash of bold, natural elegance to your vertical spaces with Campsis Radicans Stromboli—the stunning Trumpet Vine Stromboli that combines strength, colour and wildlife appeal in one spectacular climber.