Campsis x tal. Golden Trumpet 10 Litre

Campsis × tagliabuana 'Golden Trumpet' is a spectacular deciduous climber that brings a bold, tropical feel to any garden. This vigorous hybrid trumpet vine produces an abundance of large, flared, golden-yellow to soft apricot blooms throughout summer and into early autumn, arranged in showy clusters at the tips of new growth. The pinnate, mid-green foliage forms a lush, dense canopy that clings to supports by means of aerial rootlets, making it ideal for clothing walls, fences, pergolas and sturdy trellises with rich colour and texture.

Habit and appearance

Growth and form: A fast-growing, self-clinging climber capable of reaching significant height and spread when given a suitable structure to climb. The woody stems become increasingly substantial with age, and the attractive divided foliage provides a verdant backdrop to the dramatic, trumpet-shaped flowers that appear in succession over a long flowering season.

Flowers: The blooms are a standout feature — large, wide-mouthed trumpets in glowing shades of golden yellow and soft apricot-orange, held in terminal clusters. They are particularly attractive to nectar-feeding birds and pollinators such as bees.

Growing conditions

Position: Plant in a warm, sheltered spot in full sun to achieve the best flowering performance. A south- or west-facing wall is ideal, as the reflected warmth encourages the most prolific blooms. 'Golden Trumpet' is more cold-tolerant than many tropical-looking plants, but young growth benefits from protection from late frosts.

Soil: Thrives in a moderately fertile, well-drained soil. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay, loam and sandy soils, provided drainage is adequate. Avoid overly rich or waterlogged conditions, as these tend to promote excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowering.

Support: Provide a robust structure from the outset — this is a vigorous plant that will become heavy with age. Wires, a sturdy trellis, pergola uprights or masonry walls all make excellent supports, as the aerial rootlets will anchor the plant as it climbs.

Care

Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to help the plant establish a strong root system. Once established, Campsis is reasonably drought-tolerant, though consistent moisture during dry spells will support better flowering.

Feeding: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which can promote leaf growth over blooms.

Pruning: Prune hard in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting all the previous season's side shoots back to two or three buds from the main framework. This keeps the plant tidy, manageable and encourages the vigorous new growth on which the flowers are produced. Any wayward or unwanted stems can also be removed at this time to maintain the desired shape and prevent the plant from spreading beyond its allotted space.

General maintenance: Monitor the plant's spread, as established specimens can be vigorous. Remove any suckers that emerge from the base or at a distance from the main plant to keep growth in check. In colder regions, a winter mulch around the base will help protect the roots during harsh weather.