Campsis radicans 'Flava'

Synonyms: Campsis radicans 'Flava' (Bosse) Rehd., Campsis radicans f. Flava, 'Yellow Trumpet', Campsis radicans var. Flava

Campsis radicans 'Flava' (Campsis radicans 'Flava') – a cultivar of the species Campsis radicans from the genus Campsis (Campsis) of the family Bignoniaceae. The cultivar was obtained in 1842. It was awarded the Award of Merit of the English horticultural club in 1969.

It is a perennial large deciduous climber reaching 15 m in length. The stems bear numerous aerial roots, by which the vine clings to supports.

Leaves odd-pinnate, up to 20 cm long, composed of 9-11 bright green leaflets, glabrous on the upper surface and lighter and hairy on the lower surface, either entirely or only along the veins.

Flowers large, golden-yellow, tubular-funnel-shaped, up to 9 cm long and up to 5 cm in diameter, borne 5-15 per inflorescence. Blooms from mid-June until late autumn.

Fruits – leathery, flat, elongated pod-like capsules with several rounded-triangular winged seeds inside.

Hardiness zone: 6b (-20°C)

Location: sun-loving, but in warm climates can grow in light partial shade. Prefers moderately moist, rich, loose loam, but can also grow in ordinary garden soil; does not tolerate prolonged waterlogging or stagnant moisture. The best location is on the south or south-east side of a house. Does not like heavily waterlogged soils. Does not tolerate prolonged heat. An optimal site is a south-facing wall, as well as areas protected from strong winds and cold air stagnation.

Planting: planting is carried out in early spring, before the plant flowers.

Care: During the first summer it is recommended to grow Campsis in a container and move it to a cold cellar for the winter. In most parts of Ukraine it is recommended to make the support removable (for example, from synthetic cord). Before the onset of frosts the plant is removed together with the support and laid on the ground. The plant is covered with fir boughs and polyethylene film is laid over it, on which dry plant debris can be piled. Young plants are recommended to be tied to the support; in maturity a support is not required.

Pruning: Easily tolerates pruning, but in cold regions it is not recommended, since after pruning the plant blooms late and does not have time to complete vegetation.

Propagation: Propagated mainly by winter and summer green cuttings, as well as by layering and seeds. Seeds are sown in early May in open ground. Blooms in the 3rd year after sowing. In northern regions seeds often do not have time to ripen.

Diseases and pests: not affected by diseases. Among pests – aphids.

Companions: clematis, mountain clematis, wisteria, five-leaf akebia, woodland sage, narrow-leaved lavender, Faassen's catmint, herbaceous peony, geranium, lavender cotton, tall sedum, shrubby cinquefoil, Thunberg's barberry, Japanese spirea.

Uses: Used for vertical greening of walls, fences, gazebos, pergolas, trellises; looks good on shaped supports (sphere, pyramid) on lawns. Ornamental for its large pinnate leaves, distinctive flowers, and long flowering period.