Question #1: Regarding Trumpet Creeper or sometimes referred to as Hummingbird Vine, I have four of these in my yard, and have yet to see a trumpet flower on any. Two of them are twenty feet tall, and being this size, one would think the vine would be mature enough to produce flowers. One is in full sun, one in full sun to partial sun, and one is in afternoon sun only. Can you give me some information as to what I can do to produce some flowering on these vines? There are others in the vicinity producing flowers all summer long. Thanks!
Answer: There are a couple of things that contribute to nonflowering. 1) Too much nitrogen will encourage vigorous growth, but at the expense of flowering. It may be getting too much fertilizer if it is planted adjacent to turf. Trumpet creepers are notorious for staying vegetative when they receive lawn-type fertilizers. 2) This plant grows best in full sun to part shade. It may not bloom if it isn't receiving enough sunlight. 3) Trumpet creeper blooms on new growth of the season. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring prior to new growth beginning. It is best to prune back to a few buds in spring; if developing fruits are removed the plant will flower even more heavily into late summer. Avoid pruning very heavily or one can expect really strong vegetative growth that spring and summer.
*************************************************************************************************************************************************** Question #2: I have a six foot high cement block wall that traverses the front of our lot (about 70 feet long). The earth is primarily clay. I would like to have the wall covered with ivy, creepers or vines. I would also like the growth to remain green year round. The area gets direct sunlight all day. Can you suggest what to plant? Thanks for you help. Answer: Selection of vines that are evergreen and grow in full sun are pretty limited. Common or Japanese honeysuckle is probably the best that fits the site condition. It will, however, need something to support it as it climbs by twining around objects. English ivy is a tough plant that will cling to the wall and is evergreen, but it prefers shade to part sun. If you live in the south, southeast portion of the state then you may be able to use Carolina jessamine; it also needs something to twine on, but is only cold hardy to zone 7. One other possibility is Virginia creeper. Virginia creeper is deciduous but will tolerate full sun, cling to the wall, and usually has a nice red fall color. Boston ivy is a close relative that also has brilliant red fall color. Many other deciduous vines are available also. Visit your local nursery/garden center for additional information on possible vines.
************************************************************************************************************************************ Question #3: I was wondering the best way to start trumpet vine. Should I stick cuttings in a clear vase filled with water and a touch of Miracle-Gro? Or is it better to dip the ends of cuttings in rooting hormone and stick them in potting soil? We have an area that we would like to cover with trumpet vine. Answer: Trumpet vine does root quite easily from shoots taken from the plant in spring or summer. Cuttings from the roots also root easily. You could probably get shoots to root in a glass of water or you can create a make-shift greenhouse by placing a clear baggie over a pot (4 - 6" pots will do) with potting medium in it. No fertilizer is necessary at this time.
Take cuttings about 3-5 inches long and place them in the potting medium. Water well, let drain, and place plastic bag over pot securing with a rubber band. You may have to place a stick in the center of the pot that is longer than the cuttings to keep the plants from touching the bag or the bag collapsing. Keep in a bright, well lit area, but out of direct sunlight. If placed in direct sunlight it may become too hot. With the plastic bag over the plants you should not have to water it very often. However, watch it so it does not dry out. Cuttings should root within a few weeks.