Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans), or trumpet creeper, is a vigorous, deciduous woody vine with showy, trumpet-shaped flowers. Native to eastern North America, it grows over 30 feet with support. Gardeners propagate this plant for expansion, sharing, or replacement, due to its easy propagation. It attracts hummingbirds and pollinators.
Best Time and Methods for Propagation
Trumpet vine propagation is effective throughout much of the growing season, though specific timing optimizes success for different methods. Its vigor and aerial rootlets make it amenable to vegetative propagation. Common methods include stem cuttings and layering, capitalizing on the plant’s natural rooting capabilities and often yielding new plants faster than seed.
Propagating from Cuttings
Propagating trumpet vine from cuttings involves taking stem sections to form new roots. This method creates genetically identical plants to parent, with high success rates due to vine’s natural rooting ability.
Softwood Cuttings
Softwood cuttings are best taken in late spring to early summer when growth is pliable but firm. Select healthy, non-flowering stems 4 to 6 inches long with several leaves. Remove leaves from bottom half to expose nodes, cutting just below a node.
Dipping the cut in rooting hormone can enhance root development. Plant cuttings into a well-draining medium like perlite and peat moss, burying at least one node. Keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged, placing them in a warm location with bright, indirect light.
Hardwood Cuttings
Hardwood cuttings are taken in late fall to early spring when the trumpet vine is dormant and leafless. Choose mature, woody stems from previous season’s growth, 6 to 12 inches long, each with at least two to three nodes. Cut the bottom end at an angle just below a node and the top end straight above a node.
These cuttings can be planted directly outdoors in a prepared bed, burying about two-thirds, or rooted in pots with a sand-based medium. Ensure the soil remains moist throughout the dormant period, protecting them from harsh winter conditions.
Propagating by Layering
Layering is a highly effective and simple method for propagating trumpet vine, especially ground layering. This technique allows the new plant to remain attached to the parent until it establishes a robust root system. It leverages the vine’s natural tendency to root where its stems contact soil, often resulting in larger, more vigorous new plants than cuttings.
Ground Layering Steps
To perform ground layering, identify a healthy, flexible stem on the parent plant that can reach the ground. In late spring or early summer, select a stem section 12 to 18 inches from the tip. Wound this section by scraping away a small portion of the bark on the underside.
Applying rooting hormone can stimulate root growth. Bury the wounded stem section in a shallow trench, 3 to 6 inches deep, ensuring the tip remains exposed. Secure the buried section with a U-shaped wire or heavy stone to maintain soil contact.
Keep the soil consistently moist around the layered section. Roots typically form within a few months; once a strong root system develops, the new plant can be severed from parent.
Care for Your New Trumpet Vine Plants
Once trumpet vine cuttings or layered sections have rooted, provide consistent moisture. Water thoroughly when top inch of soil feels dry, avoiding overwatering to prevent root rot.
Place young plants in bright, indirect light initially, gradually acclimating them to more direct sunlight over several weeks. This process, known as hardening off, prepares them for outdoor conditions.
Once plants develop a healthy root ball and show vigorous new growth, transplant them to their permanent outdoor location. Choose a full sun site for optimal flowering and provide sturdy support, as trumpet vines are aggressive climbers.
Troubleshooting and Tips for Success
Trumpet vine propagation requires attention to detail. Insufficient moisture can dry out cuttings before roots develop, while excessive moisture leads to fungal diseases and rot; a well-draining rooting medium is important. Use sterile tools, like pruning shears, to prevent disease spread.
Selecting the right cutting material at the appropriate time increases success rates. Softwood cuttings should be pliable but not overly tender, while hardwood cuttings need to be fully dormant.
Providing consistent warmth and humidity for cuttings, perhaps by covering them with a clear plastic bag or dome, creates an ideal rooting environment. Patience is key, as rooting times vary, but regular observation and consistent care maximize success.