Trumpet vine produces clusters of vivid, tubular orange-red blooms that hummingbirds find almost impossible to resist, climbing vigorously via clinging aerial roots rather than needing support to twine around.
Native to the southeastern United States, trumpet vine is an aggressive, fast-growing climber capable of quickly covering a fence, wall, or arbor. Its vigor is a double-edged sword — the same trait that makes it excellent for fast coverage can also make it difficult to contain in a smaller garden.
Trumpet vine symbolizes fame and separation, its bold, attention-grabbing bloom and vigorous, far-reaching growth habit reflecting both meanings well.
Trumpet vine wants full sun and tolerates poor, dry soil with ease, growing aggressively once established on a sturdy support. Regular pruning keeps its vigorous growth in check, and its self-clinging aerial roots mean it can also spread onto and damage wood siding or structures if left unchecked.
Trumpet vine has a minor history of use in traditional folk medicine, though contact with its sap can irritate skin in some people, and the plant is grown today almost exclusively as a fast-covering, hummingbird-attracting ornamental.
