While trumpet vine is an often much maligned native due to its aggressive spread, it is also easy to grow and a hummingbird magnet! It’s a great choice if you have a large property where it can spread unimpeded or a strong fence or power pole where it can climb.

Care requirements:

Light requirements: Full sun

Water requirements: Medium

Soil requirements: Medium

Bloom time: July

Bloom color: Orange

Height: 25-40 ft

Width: 5-10 ft

USDA Zone: 4-9

Larval host: Trumpet vine sphinx moth

Other notes: A high-climbing and aggressive vine. Does best when given plenty of room to spread. To help control its spread, you can plant it near concrete or somewhere easy to mow. It needs to be grown on a strong surface because mature vines can be very heavy. Can be useful for erosion control due to its quick growth. Attractive to hummingbirds. Will grow fine in part shade but flowers best in full sun. Blooms on new growth. Also known as cow-itch vine because the leaves can irritate the skin of sensitive people.

Emily’s notes: I remember this vine growing in my parents’ yard. It was a very aggressive grower but also always covered with insects! It’s a very forgiving plant and easy to grow. You may frequently see this growing alongside roads, power poles, and fences.

Do you have trumpet vine growing in your garden? Do you have any tips or tricks for growing it you would like to share? Do you know of any Southeastern nurseries that regularly stock it? Let us know in the comments!