Campsis × tagliabuana 'Madame Galen' is a vigorous, deciduous climbing vine renowned for its spectacular display of large, trumpet-shaped flowers in rich salmon-orange, produced in generous clusters from mid-summer through to autumn. A hybrid between Campsis radicans and Campsis grandiflora, 'Madame Galen' combines the best of both parents — outstanding floral size and colour with reliable hardiness. Its bold, pinnate foliage provides a lush green backdrop throughout the warmer months, and the vine's self-clinging aerial roots allow it to scramble up walls, fences, pergolas and sturdy supports with ease. An irresistible beacon for nectar-feeding birds, bees and other pollinators, this is a plant that brings genuine drama to any sunny garden position.
Growing conditions
Aspect and position. 'Madame Galen' thrives in a full sun position sheltered from strong winds. A warm, north- or west-facing wall is ideal in cooler climates, as the reflected heat encourages the most prolific flowering. The more sun this vine receives, the more abundantly it blooms.
Soil. Plant in a moderately fertile, free-draining soil. While adaptable to a range of soil types — including poorer soils — excessively rich or very moist conditions tend to promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Improve heavy clay soils with grit and organic matter prior to planting to ensure good drainage.
Hardiness. This hybrid trumpet vine is moderately frost hardy and will tolerate typical temperate winters well, particularly when grown against a sheltering wall. Young plants benefit from a light protective mulch around the root zone in their first winter until established.
Care
Watering. Water regularly during the establishment period to encourage a strong root system. Once established, 'Madame Galen' is reasonably drought tolerant and requires only supplemental watering during extended dry spells, particularly in summer when the plant is in active growth and flower.
Feeding. Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring as growth resumes. Avoid overly high-nitrogen feeds, which can encourage excessive leafy growth over flowers. A potassium-rich feed in early summer will help promote and sustain the floral display.
Support. Although 'Madame Galen' produces aerial rootlets that aid climbing, it benefits from initial guidance and tying in to a sturdy framework of wires, trellis or a pergola structure. Note that the clinging roots can mark some surfaces, so choose the support position thoughtfully.
Pruning
Timing and method. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back all sideshoots from the main framework stems to two or three buds. This encourages the production of strong new flowering shoots each season and keeps the plant tidy and within its allotted space. The main structural stems should be retained and trained as the permanent framework of the plant.
Renovation. If an established plant has become overgrown or tangled, it can tolerate hard renovation pruning back to the main stems in late winter. Recovery is typically vigorous, though flowering may be reduced for one season while the plant re-establishes its framework of flowering laterals.
Suckering. 'Madame Galen' may produce root suckers some distance from the base of the plant. Remove these promptly by tracing them back to the root and pulling or cutting them away, to prevent the vine from spreading beyond its intended area.
