Trumpet Vine

Candy J
by Candy J
I have a trumpet vine that I planted so that it would grow up a tree. It has grown a good 20 feet but has never bloomed. Do I need to feed it something? I guess I will have to wait another year.:(
  9 answers
  • Sometimes when you plant things the first year they do not bloom right away. But I have to add: Trumpet vine could possibly overtake the tree and eventually kill it. Just like ivy, wisteria, or VA creeper these vines can suck the life right out of a tree. Trumpet vines are vigorous and aggressive growers which are great for climbing on huge arbors, pergolas, and fences but not so good on other living plants. Trumpet vines also send out shoots/runners and will spread (which if you have plenty of room is a great thing). you can keep it in check once it starts growing by not letting the runners take off and cut them off. Good luck.
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Sep 23, 2013
    There are lots of stories of trumpet vine being in the ground for three or four years and not blooming, so if your vine otherwise appears healthy (and it sounds like yours does), I'm afraid you'll have to practice patience. They're such vigorous growers that I really can't imagine fertilizing, and any any excess nitrogen in the fertilizer might encourage growth at the expense of the blooms you are so eager for. I'm going to have to heed my own advice, because I planted one this year and certainly will not be happy if I have to wait three years.
  • Candy J Candy J on Sep 23, 2013
    Oh my - better cut it down.
    • @Candy J No need to cut it down, just move it away from any plants you like. LOL You can keep them in check if you love to garden. I just would not let it climb a tree, home, or anything else. Good luck and the hummingbirds will enjoy them.
  • Candy J Candy J on Sep 23, 2013
    Well I guess it will bloom next year.
  • Very vigorous root structure, best not planted too close to your house or other cement work.
  • Candy J Candy J on Sep 23, 2013
    I will have to cut it down as it is hugged tightly against my maple which is not close to any house. I think I need to make sure it does not do any damage as it is near a shed.
    • @Candy J Sorry to give you the bad news. Try Henryi Clematis it is a beautiful white bloom that will bloom throughout the spring and summer. Takes a year or two after planting to get itself going but it is not invasive.
  • Candy J Candy J on Sep 23, 2013
    Thanks to everyone for your comments. They have been helpful and thoughtful. I guess that is the main reason i love hometalk..
  • Coco Tree Service Corp Coco Tree Service Corp on Sep 30, 2013
    Hello Candy, I suggest using general purpose fertilizer according to the label directions some time in the winter before the ground freezes. Then repeat with the same fertilizer in Spring and then after a few weeks (around a month before you expect them to start blooming) use some fertilizer with a higher phosporous content. Beyond that make sure the plant is receiving adequate water if you live in an arid or semi-arid area. Adding organic mulch to the base of the vine is also a good idea since this will help retain moisture in dryer areas. Also, make sure that trumpet vines are suitable for your climate in the first place. They can be very high maintenance, but hummingbirds love them so it can be well worth the effort.
  • Candy J Candy J on Sep 30, 2013
    Thank you very much. I decided to cut it down because it was near a concrete slab and I was told the root system is agressive. I will try to plant another one elsewhere on the property. So thanks for your advice.