About

Campsis grandiflora 'Tropical Summer' is a more restrained climber compared to its C. grandiflora relatives, featuring a compact growth habit. Its foliage consists of mid to dark green leaves, typically made up of seven to nine leaflets. From late summer through autumn, this variety produces clusters of vibrant orange, trumpet-shaped blooms.

About the genus

Campsis are vigorous, deciduous vines that attach themselves using aerial roots. They feature pinnate leaves and produce clusters of tubular, funnel-shaped blossoms during late summer or early autumn.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Climber Wall Shrub
Habit
Climbing
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
1.5-2.5 metres
Spread
1-1.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Mediterranean climate plants, Sub-tropical

Care notes

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
Pruning
Pruning group 12 in late winter or early spring
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by layering, hardwood cuttings or root cuttings
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus and powdery mildews