The Right Place
Trumpet creeper grows primarily east of the Mississippi. It is comfortable in southern climates except for the tropical areas of Florida. Its range spreads into the Mid-West, southern Pennsylvania and along the Atlantic coast up to Massachusetts (zone 4). It can withstand winter temperatures as low as -10° F.
Creepers like sun, but will grow in light shade. They accommodate themselves to a wide range of soil types and moisture conditions. They are flexible enough to handle both drought conditions and quite wet soil. They like soil that is slightly acid (pH 6.1 to 7.5).
Planting Nursery Stock
Trumpet creepers have fibrous roots that develop long, underground runners that grow deeply into the soil. For this reason they are tricky to transplant. Plant young trumpet vines in the spring. Break up the soil at least 2 feet deep, and 3 feet wide before planting. Locate each vine about 12 inches from its intended support to give the roots room to spread. Remove all wrappings from the roots and gently loosen and spread any matted ones. Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the spread roots and deep enough so that the vine will set at the same level in the soil that it did in its pot. Fill the hole with soil and water generously. Once trumpet creeper is planted, identify the three or four strongest shoots and cut them halfway back to encourage new growth and to invigorate the other shoots. It is good to keep the vine a few inches away from solid walls to allow air circulation around the plant.
Amendments In Planting or Transplanting
There are a number of products at the garden center that will help your newly planted or transplanted plants deal better with the stress inherent in the planting process. All healthy plants have beneficial fungi, called mycorrhizal fungi, living on their roots. You can buy these valuable additions to your plant’s ecosystem. See the file describing Using Micorrhizae When Planting.
In addition, there are a number of products such as seaweed, compost tea, and beneficial soil microbes that when added to the planting process will help your newly established plants get going faster. See the file New Technology In Plant Growth Activators
For more information see the file on Planting Shrubs. For planting tools see Hand Tools For Digging and Planting in Yardener’s Tool Shed.
