All About Trumpet Flowers
There are two main kinds of trumpet flowers: the trumpet vine and the trumpet creeper. Both are aggressive, fast growing vines that will cover a trellis or fence in a single season. They have stunning yellow, orange, or red blossoms each with a lovely long throat and a delicate fluted scallop of petals. Not only is this a gorgeous flowering vine that brings a tropical feel to your garden or yard, but the bright hue of the flowers will attract hummingbirds as well.
Trumpet Vine
The trumpet vine is the less enthusiastic of the two vines. Despite this, it can climb as high as thirty to forty feet. At two to three inches in length, the trumpet flower's blossoms are a glowing orange at the base, fading to red, and flushing rich scarlet around the fluted petals. The trumpet vine is quite hardy. It will grow in zones 3 through 9.
Trumpet Creeper
The trumpet creeper will grow thirty to forty feet in a single season, and up to sixty-five in its lifetime. Its flowers are at least three inches long with a yellowish-orange base and reddish-orange petals. The change in color, though noticeable, is not as dramatic as the trumpet vine. The trumpet creeper grows best in zones 4 to 9.
Growth and Cultivation
Both varieties of trumpet flower prefer sun to partial shade. They need rich soil in order to grow as rapidly as they do. It is best to mix compost into the soil, but other fertilizers may cause the plant to produce profusive foliage without flowering. Keep the trumpet flower well watered and continue to add compost throughout the growing season.
Trumpet flowers are typically grown from seed, which may be planted directly in your garden after all danger of frost has passed. The vine may not flower the first season, and it can sometimes take up to four years before your trumpet flower will bloom. Yet it is well worth waiting for this gorgeous flowering vine that will bring a hint of the tropic to your yard all summer long.
