Care Instructions for Plant Trumpet Vine

Care for trumpet vines as they scale a vertical support.

Trumpet vine is not selective about its growing conditions and it will grow readily in most soils, but because of its energetic growth and the heaviness of the canes, you should choose the location carefully, and the support system must be strong. Make sure it has adequate light and water; your biggest chore will be pruning it to control the growth.

Things You'll Need

• Shredded mulch (wood chips, leaves or straw)
• All-purpose fertilizer (water-soluble)
• Lopper pruners

Instructions

1. Ensure the support system for the trumpet vine is strong enough to support the vines. If you are using a fence, expect that the trumpet vines will grow up the entire height of the fence to cover it completely. If you are using a trellis support, position the trellis approximately 4 inches away from any walls to ensure adequate ventilation. Do not allow trumpet vines to grow up onto a roof because the vines may damage shingles.

2. Mulch the soil area around the roots of the trumpet vines with between 2 and 3 inches of shredded mulch. It will help conserve soil moisture and keep weeds from encroaching upon the trumpet vines.

3. Keep trumpet vines watered regularly if the weather is dry. Do not allow the soil to dry between watering and water the soil to saturate it fully (but not so puddles form). Regular watering is especially important while the trumpet vines are establishing--water newly planted trumpet vines two to three times per week during the first month after planting. Decrease watering frequency gradually until you are only watering if the soil dries between rain.

4. Fertilize trumpet vines by mixing the fertilizer with water according to package recommendations for the size of the trumpet vines. Fertilize once at the beginning of the growing season and another time in the middle.

5. Prune trumpet vines to control their growth or they will quickly overgrow their boundaries and become unruly. Wait to prune until the trumpet vine finishes blooming for the growing season or you may trim off future blossoms. Prune a trumpet vine as much or as little as you want by cutting back the vines at any point. Trumpet vines are so energetic that they will quickly rebound after pruning, sometimes making it difficult to detect where you pruned.

References

• University of Florida: Flowering Vines
• University of California Cooperative Extension: Trumpet Vines