Campsis grandiflora, Chinese bignone
Campsis grandiflora
- Exposure
- Sun
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 8b (-9.4°C ≤ T° < -6.7°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Family
- Bignoniaceae
- Genus
- Bignone Campsis
- Species
- Chinese bignone Campsis grandiflora
Other names:Bignonia grandiflora, Gelseminum grandiflorum, Tecoma grandiflora
As its name suggests, the Chinese trumpet vine (Campsis grandiflora) comes from Asia. But its range isn't limited to China. The plant is now found in gardens all over the world—much to the delight of pollinators and lovers of colorful flowers.
How can you identify the Chinese trumpet creeper (Campsis grandiflora)?
The Chinese trumpet vine (Campsis grandiflora) is a vine-like shrub. As a climber, it can reach 7 meters in height and 5 meters in spread.
The stems, with their light brown bark, are equipped with aerial roots. These act as tendrils and allow the vines to cling to a support (trellis, wall, pergola, etc.).
The deciduous leaves are up to 20 cm long. They are pinnate, with 7 to 11 leaflets, and are a bright green.
The Chinese trumpet vine is grown for its summer blooms. The flowers bloom in clusters at the tips of the branches between June and September. They are funnel-shaped, like those of Campsis radicans (Campsis radicans). However, their calyx is shorter, and they are more open. The color is also different; the flowers can be orange or bright red.
After being visited by butterflies and pollinating insects, the flowers develop into dehiscent pods. When they open, they release hundreds of seeds, which are then dispersed by the wind.
Is the Chinese trumpet vine (Campsis grandiflora) poisonous?
Yes. The Chinese trumpet vine is toxic to humans and pets. All parts of the plant can cause digestive upset if ingested. Its sap is also irritating to the skin. Be sure to keep your plant out of reach of your dog or cat and to wear gloves when pruning or repotting.
Our care tips
Is your Campsis grandiflora wearing out and flowering less abundantly? Cut back the branches to 30 or 50 cm to give it a new lease of life.
Watering
Campsis grandiflora like to keep their feet cool, but can't stand soggy soil. Water when the substrate is dry on the surface, for about three centimetres.
To provide your plant with the nutrients it needs, give preference to rainwater. Avoid tap water, which is often too hard. Finally, to avoid damaging the roots, use water at room temperature.
If you use a saucer or planter, remove any stagnant water. It could rot the root system.
Repotting
Plant your Campsis grandiflora in a pot with drainage holes. You can add a layer of clay pellets or gravel to optimize drainage.
If you plan to use a trellis or stake, you can place it in the pot now.
Line the bottom of your container with a well-draining substrate. You can use all-purpose potting soil or garden soil mixed with a few handfuls of sand.
Plant your Campsis grandiflora. If you want your plant to climb a wall or tree, position the root ball toward the support. Add more substrate, but stop a few centimeters short of the edge to create a watering basin.
Guide the vines toward their support. Firm the soil and water generously to remove air pockets and encourage root growth.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the growth of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Fertilize your Chinese bignone every month. Use a flowering plant fertilizer to stimulate flowering.
You can stimulate the growth of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Put compost at the foot of your Chinese bignone to stimulate its growth.
Prune
Your Campsis grandiflora is a vigorous plant. You don't have to prune it, but doing so will prevent the plant from becoming invasive.
Identify the main branches that form the structure against the wall, pergola, or support. You don't need to prune them unless you want to rebalance the plant's shape.
However, remove:
- Dead or weak twigs;
- Branches that cross over in the center and block light;
- Stems growing in the wrong direction;
- Suckers at the base, if you want to control growth.
Your Campsis grandiflora blooms on this year's new growth. You can therefore prune last year's side shoots (which have already bloomed) back to the second or third bud without compromising flowering.
Always use a clean, sharp tool to promote healing and prevent the spread of disease.
Planting
Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.
Soak the root ball of your Campsis grandiflora to rehydrate it. Leave it in the water until there are no more air bubbles.
Dig a hole 40 cm deep. You can place clay balls or gravel at the bottom for better drainage.
Plant your Campsis grandiflora. The top of the root ball should be level with the ground. Fill in the hole with garden soil. You can add a little sand if your soil is heavy.
Guide the stems onto their support to show them the way.
Mulch the soil to keep the base of the plant cool. Firm the soil and water it to encourage root growth.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Locate a healthy, flowerless stem. It should be semi-woody, but still flexible.
Cut a ten- to fifteen-centimetre section just below a node. Use clean, sharp secateurs to facilitate healing.
Remove the lower leaves and keep only the upper pair.
Plant your cutting in a pierced pot lined with potting soil for seedlings and plantations. Spray the substrate with non-calcareous water.
The graft takes better in a stifled environment. Cover the plant with a translucent plastic bag or cloche.
Place your young plant in a bright room where the temperature is between 20 and 25°.
The appearance of new leaves indicates that your cutting is taking root.
Frequently asked questions
Does bignone grow fast?
Yes, the bignone is a fast-growing climber. In the right conditions, it can gain 1 to 2 meters per year. Exposed to the sun and planted in well-drained soil, it quickly covers pergolas, fences and facades. Annual pruning helps control its vigorous growth.
What are the disadvantages of bignone?
The bignonia is a hardy, fast-growing plant. It can become invasive without regular pruning, and its weight can be too much for a fragile wall to bear. Additionally, the plant is toxic to pets if ingested, and its sap can cause skin irritation.
Does bignone fear frost?
Bignone is fairly cold-resistant, depending on the variety. Most tolerate temperatures between -10°C and -15°C once well established. Young plants are more sensitive to winter frost. In cold regions, it is advisable to protect the plant with mulch in winter.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Exposure
- Sun
- Substrates
- Calcareous earthHumus soilSandy soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn potsIn tubs
- Tags
- BeginnerInvasiveFloweryToxic
- Origin
- Southeast Asia
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 8b (-9.4°C ≤ T° < -6.7°C)
- Leaf color
- Dark green
- Flower colors
- RedOrange
Discover plants from the same family
Virginia bignone
Campsis radicans
Bignone Campsis × tagliabueana
Campsis × tagliabueana
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
