The trumpet flower sprouts long tendrils with which it reaches many meters into the air. This makes it a climbing plant like no other. Their brightly colored flowers are so striking that they breathe new life into even the dreariest location.
How do you care for a trumpet flower climbing plant?
The trumpet flower is an impressive climbing plant that can grow up to 10 meters high. It always requires moist soil, little nutrients and a trellis from a height of 2 m. Care includes watering as needed, fertilizing if necessary and an annual pruning in February.
Different types of trumpet flowers
We have three types of trumpet flowers. The wild species American Trumpet Flower and the Chinese Trumpet Flower as well as the hybrid Great Climbing Trumpet. There are various varieties available on the market, all of which can reach considerable heights of up to 10 m. The most interesting aspect is certainly the flower color of the flowers, which appear from July to September, which can take on many nuances from yellow to red depending on the variety.
A crucial feature is winter hardiness. The Chinese trumpet flower is not made for our climate zone and does not survive winters outdoors, whereas the other two species are hardy down to -20 °C. However, they are also left without leaves in winter until May.
Note:The trumpet flower is slightly poisonous in all parts of the plant. Find out more about it so you can take appropriate precautions.
Suitable in containers and outdoors
The hardy trumpet flowers can be planted outside or grown in a large container. The Chinese trumpet flower has no sensible choice but to stay in the pot. Because it is suitable for containers, this trumpet flower can also be used as greenery on balconies. It won't grow as high there, but it will still be 3-5 m.
Need for a climbing aid
The trumpet flower can grow independently and hold on. However, from a height of 2 m it should be given a trellis to which it is tied at regular intervals. Their thin tendrils are otherwise helpless against strong winds and can even break off under their own weight.
The climbing aid can vary in terms of material and shape, and will certainly also depend on the location of the climbing plant. Everything is possible, from self-stretched wires to commercially available, stable scaffolding (€279.00 on Amazon). It is important that it is available soon after planting and that it is not left out even with potted plants.
Caring for climbing plants
The trumpet flower needs above all always moist soil and only a few nutrients. These are the main care points:
- water as needed all year round
- Soil must not dry out, waterlogging should be avoided
- Provide the soil in the pot with a slow-release fertilizer every spring
- Avoid fertilizer outdoors
- Provide with some compost at most in spring
- cut radically in February
- cut back all side shoots to 3-4 eyes
Tip
A fertilizer rich in nitrogen provides a lot of green for the trumpet flower, but prevents it from blooming lavishly. Therefore, avoid such fertilizers.
