Campsis grandiflora aka Chinese Trumpet Creeper

Campsis grandiflora, or Chinese trumpet creeper, is a woody vine. It belongs to the Bignoniaceae family and sheds its leaves. Its native range runs from eastern China to Japan. It also grows as an introduced plant in Korea. In China, it grows on hillsides and beside roads. It climbs trees and spreads across rocks.

In gardens, it often reaches 20–30 feet [6.1–9.1 metres]. RHS gives a larger height range, reaching 39 feet [12 metres]. Spread ranges from 6–9 feet [1.8–2.7 metres] in some accounts. RHS lists widths up to 13 feet [4 metres]. The vine grows fast but forms few aerial rootlets. These roots help it grip surfaces as it climbs. It also twines and needs support and regular tying. Opposite, pinnate leaves have seven to nine toothed leaflets. The green leaves can reach one foot [0.3 metres] long.

Orange to red trumpet flowers have yellow throats. They grow in clusters at the ends of shoots. Flowers reach about 0.25 feet [0.08 metres] in length. Missouri Botanical Garden and NC State list June through August flowering. RHS reports blooms from late summer into autumn. Hot summers help the plant flower well. Young plants may take several years to start blooming. The flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Long, hanging follicles follow the blooms and mature in autumn. They split to release winged seeds, which the wind carries.

Give this vine sun and moist soil with good drainage. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and chalk. It also grows in acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. Some sources allow partial shade, but sun gives better flowering. Established plants can cope with some drought. Sources list USDA zones 6–9 and UK hardiness H4. A warm, sheltered wall suits it in cooler gardens. Late frost can damage fresh shoots. Prune in late winter or early spring to limit growth. Flowers form on the new shoots.

Use it on walls, fences, arbors, or large trellises. Without support, it spreads along the ground and roots along branches. Underground runners can also send up shoots beyond its space. Rich soil can make this spread harder to control. Serious pest problems are uncommon, but aphids may occur. Watch for mildew, leaf spots, leaf blight, and honey fungus. Plants For A Future records no edible uses or known hazards. It also records traditional medicinal uses, including treatments for menstrual problems. These records do not establish safe use as food or medicine.