Trumpet Vine

Planting & Care for Trumpet Vines

Preparation

• This easily grown vine thrives in both sun and partial shade.
• While it prefers a nice well-draining soil, trumpet vine flower is resilient enough to adapt to nearly any soil and will grow readily.
• Be sure to choose a suitable location prior to planting as well as a sturdy support structure.
• Planting too close to the home or outbuilding could result in damage from the vine’s creeping roots so it’s important that you plant the vine some distance from the home. They can work their way under shingles and even cause damage to foundations.
• A trellis, fence, or large pole works well as a support structure when growing trumpet vines. However, do not allow the vine to climb trees as this can lead to strangulation.
• Trumpet creeper is a vigorous grower. Water only as needed and do not fertilize.

Opening Plant Material

• Bare Root - Cut open the bundle (top and roots are tied) and separate all the plants. Soak roots in buckets of water until planted. Each plant type will be labeled separately for identification. Do not expose the roots to sun. They should never dry out. Keep roots covered. All bare-root plants must be trimmed when planted. 

Planting Bare Root

• Plant Bare root in fall. A good indicator if you can still plant is if the ground is still workable you’re good to go. If a hard frost is expected be sure to hold off on planting.
• Dig a hole at least 6" wider and the same depth as the root mass. The crown or graft of the plant should be slightly higher than ground level where it was grown at the nursery.
• Trim off the broken roots and branches.
• Place fertilizer packets in hole (if purchased). Do not place other fertilizers in the planting hole. *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer.
• Spread the roots and fill halfway with soil, then water until soil settles completely saturating the soil and planting pit.
• Re-adjust plant and fill the hole with the rest of the soil.
• Back fill the balance of the soil and water well. 
• See our link below “Handling & Planting Guidelines” for illustrations on planting.   

Planting Groundcovers/Vines

• Planting bed should consist of 6-8" of topsoil, well mixed with approximately 2" of peat moss.

Pruning - After Planting

• Bare Root - Prune ALL bare root plants to reduce transplant shock and ensure success. Pruning should occur either before or as soon after planting as possible. All pruning should be done with a sharp pruning shears.

Pruning - Through-out the Season

• About the only maintenance you’ll need to perform is pruning. Trumpet vine requires regular pruning to keep it under control.
• Pruning takes place in early spring or fall. Generally, spring is preferable and may be severely pruned back to just a few buds.

Watering - After Planting

• Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as often as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
• Beyond the 6 week establishment period, water once per week, unless rains occur.
• Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.

Watering - Through-out the Season

• After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
• How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it is dry, give it a good soaking with the hose end (no nozzle) watering the soil only, not the leaves.
• Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.

Go to our "Plant Features & Video Tab" for more information & tips on caring and maintaining this plant.