Campsis grandiflora 'Tropical Summer'

RHS Plant Profile

Chinese trumpet creeper 'Tropical Summer'

RHS

Climber Wall Shrub

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A less vigorous climber than other C. grandifloras, with a compact habit and mid to dark green leaves, comprising of seven to nine leaflets. Terminal clusters of bright orange, trumpet-shaped flowers appear from late summer to autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 1-1.5 metres
Max Height: 1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H4
Drought Resistance: Yes

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Bignoniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Climbing
Genus: Campsis are fast-growing deciduous climbers clinging by aerial roots, pinnate leaves and clusters of tubular-funnel-shaped flowers in late summer or early autumn
Name Status: Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

A climber that despite its exotic-looking flowers is reasonably hardy if grown against a warm, sunny wall. Produces relatively few aerial roots, so likely to need tying in regularly. See campsis cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by layering, hardwood cuttings or root cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Mediterranean climate plants
Sub-tropical
Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 12 in late winter or early spring

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus and powdery mildews