“What is that gorgeous orange-red vine blooming right now?” I receive this inquiry every year. I only need to look at the calendar to answer. If the question comes in spring, I know the vine is Crossvine (Bignonia). If it is summer, the answer is Trumpet Vine (Campsis), also known as Trumpet Vine or Trumpet Creeper.
A Trumpet Vine bloom. This flower is several days old, so it is a pinkish red. Newly opened flowers are a bright orange-red.
Bloom time notwithstanding, there are distinguishable differences between the two. The tubular blooms appear the same, but a closer look will reveal that Crossvine is a reddish orange with a yellow throat, while Trumpet Vine is a solid red, orange, or (rarely) yellow. Crossvine leaves have smooth edges and are evergreen, taking on red or purple tints in cold weather. The vines have tiny little tendrils that they use to climb trees or trellises. Trumpet Vine leaves are attractive, toothed and compound, with 7 to 11 leaflets. The leaves shed in cold weather. Trumpet Vines have little sucker feet that stick like glue to whatever it are climbing. The vines become thick and woody with age, like wisteria.
Both these plants are lovely when in bloom, but Crossvine is much better behaved. Trumpet Vine is aggressive and considered invasive throughout much of the southeast. Crossvine will sucker, but Trumpet Vine throws out long underground runners that surface in the form of new plants. The weight of a mature Trumpet Vine can damage trees. Above soil level, it is a Medusa-like thug that throws waving stems in all directions.
Crossvine will grow in sun or shade, in zones 6 to 9. It blooms most heavily in sun and prefers a neutral soil. It will tolerate drought or short periods of standing water. It will reach heights of up to 50 feet, but accepts pruning to keep it shorter.
Trumpet Vine produces plentiful nectar, beloved by hummingbirds and ignored by deer. If your garden has space for a large, privacy-making evergreen vine, give native Crossvine a try. Other polite, evergreen alternatives include Confederate Jasmine and Clematis Armandii.
The exuberant foliage of Campsis
Well-behaved crossvine atop a pergola