Hummingbird Vine: How to Care For Hummingbird Vine

Hummingbird vine is the common name for two creeping, flowering vines: the trumpet vine (Campsis radicans), a native plant to North America, and the cypress vine (Ipomoea quamoclit), a plant native to South America. Trumpet vine is also called trumpet creeper, cow itch vine, and foxglove vine. Cypress vine is also called star glory and cardinal vine.

Hummingbird vines are woody vines with dark green deciduous leaves. They bloom in early spring to early fall, producing tubular flowers that grow between one and three inches in length. These yellow, red, and orange flowers attract pollinators like hummingbirds, which use their long beaks to draw nectar from the trumpet flowers.

Hummingbird vines grow quickly and are an invasive species. A mature vine may reach up to forty feet in length and produce four to ten feet of ground cover. Additionally, the plant’s leaves may cause skin irritation if touched.

The hummingbird vine is a twining climber, which means it climbs support structures; therefore, it makes sense to plant them near trellises, arbors, or pergolas. When planting multiple new plants, provide adequate spacing—at least thirty-six to sixty inches.

Sandy or clay soil works best for hummingbird vine because they are well-draining and lack organic material. While hummingbird vine will tolerate partial shade, the plant prefers full sun. Hummingbird vine also adapts and thrives in most climates but grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 4–10.

Hummingbird vine requires little care. Follow these tips when caring for the hummingbird vine:

• Fertilizer: If possible, avoid using fertilizer on hummingbird vine, as it will repress flower growth. Apply a granular 5-10-5 fertilizer to the base of the plant only if your hummingbird vine is faring poorly.
• Pests: Hummingbird vines resist most pests and diseases but attract whiteflies, mealybugs, and spider mites. Use neem oil and keep the soil moist to ward off these insects.
• Water: Hummingbird vine is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, so it only needs regular watering during its first two growing seasons. Once mature, only water your hummingbird vine when the soil feels dry.

Follow these steps when propagating hummingbird vine:

1. 1. Prep: Plan to propagate in early spring when vines are easier to prune. Use a small pot for a single cutting or a larger pot or tray for multiple cuttings. Make sure the container has a drainage hole. Fill the container with sand and set aside until well-drained.
2. 2. Cut: Cut an angled four- to six-inch section of the vine stem. Keep the leaves found close to the top of the cutting and remove any from the opposite end. Plant the stem in your soil-filled pot.
3. 3. Tend: Place the stem in a space with bright, indirect sunlight and normal indoor temperature. Water regularly to keep the soil moist. After one month, test the cutting’s root system by gently tugging on the stem. If you feel any resistance, the stem has rooted, and you can transplant it into your garden.

Hummingbird vines are invasive, which means they grow quickly and need regular pruning.

• Cut back: Hummingbird vine is an aggressive grower and can take over gardens, yards, and open areas if not regularly pruned. Cut your hummingbird vine close to the ground in early spring before new growth appears. Pull up any new shoots that sprout from the roots.
• Deadhead: Hummingbird vine flowers produce seed pods that create new plants that can dominate other vegetation. Deadhead any spent flowers by removing them from the vine to prevent further seeding.
• Remove: If your hummingbird vine becomes invasive and you choose to remove it from your garden, avoid using herbicide. Instead, dig out the roots to kill unwanted vines. You can also add rock salt to a gallon of boiling water and pour it over the roots. Repeat as needed, but be aware that this method will also kill surrounding plants.

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