Campsis radicans 'SERENA' trumpet creeper - climbing
size/type
vine,vine
usual height
2-6m
usual width
1-2m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
July-September
location
full sun
soil type
neutral to alkaline
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist (dislikes drought)
USDA zone (lowest)
5 (down to -29°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Trumpet creepers are gorgeous things in summer gardens, on patios, or climbing up walls, gazebos or fences. They are fast and vigorously growing vines that can create a dense coverage of lush green foliage with profusion of flowers within a few years only. We are now proud to introduce our own selection named Serena that belongs to the North American group c.radicans.
Description of the plant:
Serena trumpet creeper produces soft red to orange-red flowers with golden yellow throats and prominent burgundy red veins. Buds are orange. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, firm and do not suffer from soaking rains. It starts flowering in zone 6 in mid July and continues until the first frost. Trumpet creepers have no fragrance. Deciduous leaves are pinnate, large, rich to dark green and glossy, and look rather exotic. Serena trumpet creeper makes strong canes that grow as much as 1 meter and more long within one growing season when fully established. Pruning is therefore crucial to prevent the plant from breaking in wind.
CLIMBERS:
If you grow Serena as a climber support new canes in the upright position or attach them manually to the given support during its first years to achieve the desired height and do not prune it, just remove weak or dead twigs and tips. After the plant has reached the desired height start pruning it hard in spring after all frosts by cutting previous year’s canes to 2-3 pairs of buds. Do this regularly every year.
SHRUBS:
Serena is strong enough to be grown as a shrub, too. After its first winter in the ground decide how big your framework should be – this means the construction of branches that will remain almost the same size after every pruning. You should know that Serena can make 1m or more every year so adjust your framework size respecting this number. We suggest making it 60-80 cm tall. Action: prune it regularly every spring after all frosts to your framework size, leaving only 2-3 pairs of buds on previous year’s canes.
TREE-FORMS:
Serena can also be grown on a short to medium tall stem as a small tree with irregular crown. Just cut back all previous year’s wood to 2-3 pairs of live buds. Do this every spring after all frosts.
Trumpet creepers prefer neutral to limey soil and a warm and sunny spot. Its root system can accept temporary drought and extra watering is desirable only maximum once a week. Fully hardy to min. -27°C(USDA zone 5), but is expected to grow without problems in zone 5. Not suitable for outdoor pots.
Last update 14-11-2012
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