Campsis × tagliabuana 'Ebony and Red' is a showstopping deciduous climber that brings bold, tropical drama to any sunny wall or sturdy structure. A refined hybrid trumpet vine, it produces large, flared, deep crimson-red trumpet-shaped flowers that blaze against its dark, near-ebony stems and rich green pinnate foliage. Flowering from midsummer well into autumn, it is an irresistible draw for nectar-seeking bumblebees and hummingbird hawk-moths, making it as wildlife-friendly as it is visually striking.
Habit and appearance
Vigorous and self-clinging. 'Ebony and Red' is a strong-growing, woody deciduous climber that attaches itself to surfaces using small aerial rootlets, much like ivy. The stems age to a handsome dark, almost black-brown, providing year-round architectural interest. The elegant pinnate leaves emerge fresh green in spring and the plant puts on rapid growth through the warmer months. Clusters of bold, trumpet-shaped flowers are produced at the tips of the current season's growth, creating a spectacular display that typically begins in July and continues through to September or October.
Growing conditions
Full sun and a sheltered, warm aspect are essential. This trumpet vine thrives against a south- or west-facing wall, fence, or substantial pergola where it can absorb maximum warmth. It is reasonably hardy once established but benefits from the reflected heat of a wall in cooler regions. Plant in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil — it tolerates a wide range of soil types including clay, loam, and chalk, provided waterlogging is avoided. Campsis are drought-tolerant once established, though regular watering during the first growing season will help the plant settle in and develop a strong root system.
Support and training
Provide a robust support structure from the outset. Although 'Ebony and Red' produces aerial rootlets, attaching young stems loosely to wires or a trellis will encourage even coverage and guide the plant in the desired direction. Against a wall, horizontal wires spaced approximately 30–45 cm apart work very well. The plant is capable of reaching several metres in height and spread at maturity, so ensure any pergola, arch, or wall support is sturdy enough to bear its eventual weight, particularly once the woody framework has developed over several years.
Care and pruning
Pruning is straightforward and best carried out in late winter or early spring. Because flowers are produced on the current season's new growth, cut back all the previous year's lateral shoots to within two or three buds of the main framework. This hard annual pruning keeps the plant manageable, encourages a flush of vigorous new growth, and maximises flowering. In the early years, select and tie in the strongest stems to build the permanent woody framework before cutting back the remaining laterals. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring to support strong regrowth. In colder areas, apply a mulch of garden compost around the base in autumn to protect the roots.
