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Campisis
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Among the many beautiful and exotic climbers that can be grown in a conservatory or heated greenhouse is campisis, commonly known as Chinese trumpet vine.
The flowers are borne in late summer and autumn. Campisis although it grows to large dimensions is fairly easy to contain by pruning. This should be carried out in late autumn, after the leaves have fallen. Rather than pruning the whole plant back to the ground, create a framework of branches to prune back each year. Select a few particularly strong shoots to keep and prune back any weaker ones. Any side shoots can be shortened or removed. Carry this out each year and the plant will remain a manageable size. Keeping it in a large pot, rather than growing in a greenhouse border, will also help to prevent it growing too large.
Campisis plants need particularly good drainage, and will suffer if their roots sit in cold damp soil. Improve drainage by mixing horticultural grit into the compost. Place a layer of brocken crocks over the bottom of the pot before filling with compost, to prevent the drainage holes from getting clogged up. Grow in full sun and train against a wall if possible, tying stems into trellis or set of horizontal wires. Feed occasionally through summer.
Natural history notes:
Trumpet vine is a large lush vine that grows well here if watered. The vine anchors itself to its support by growing small roots along the stem.
Distinguishing characteristics:
The leaves of trumpet vine, like most members of the trumpet vine family, are opposite, i.e., two leaves are attached to the stem at the same point but on opposite sides. The leaves are also compound (comprised of separate leaflets). Trumpet vine's leaves are a rich green; the leaflets have teeth along their margins, and are pointed at the end. Flowers of the trumpet vine are strikingly orange and red, long, and tubular out to the "lips" which flare, inviting pollinators. Inside the flower, two pairs of stamens arch over the roof of the tube, ready to brush the tops or backs of insect or hummingbird visitors. A woody vine that flowers spring and summer.
Ethnobotany:
Trumpet vine is commonly cultivated for its ornamental value.
Grow in multi-purpose compost if well drained. Incorporate extra grit.
Temperature: Grow campisis in warm or cool greenhouse conditions Minimum temperature 5oC.
Water well in active growth and sparingly in winter; requires average humidity.
Campsis will grow large but will tolerate pruning in late autumn.
Aphids, red spider mite, scale insect, powdery mildew, mealy bugs and whitefly all attack plants.
Campisis radicans; reddish-orange flowered climber
Campisis radicans flava Yellow flowered form of campisis radicans
Campisis tagliabuana; flowers open pale and darken as they age