How to Kill Hummingbird Vines

Hummingbird vines usually have orange blooms.

Hummingbird vines are better known as trumpet creepers or trumpet vines (Campsis radicans). They are native to America and have large, beautiful -- usually orange -- trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds, hence the nickname "hummingbird vines" sometimes used in nurseries. Hummingbird vines are considered invasive; if you're ready to get rid of yours, note that it might take several months to completely kill it.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel or spade
• Pruning shears, hand clippers or lopping shears
• Nonselective herbicide

Instructions

1. Dig around the base of the plant and cut under the roots to remove as much of the root ball as you can. Use a shovel or spade for digging.

2. Cut down any remaining shoots with a pair of pruning shears, lopping shears or hand clippers. Cut close to the ground.

3. Spray new growth as it grows with a nonselective herbicide like glyphosate. Wear gloves and goggles and apply according to the manufacturer's directions. Or, cut new growth back down, but you'll have to keep up with it in order to successfully starve out the roots to kill the vine.

Tips & Warnings

• Spray nonselective herbicides carefully. They will kill any vegetation they touch.

References

• Gardening Know How: Tips to Get Rid of Trumpet Vine
• University of Arkansas: Trumpet Creeper, Trumpet Vine
• Grounds Maintenance: Control Woody Vines in Landscapes