RE: Campsis grandiflora

I have a relative of Campsis (the same family, I think) called Podranea
ricasoliana, or pink trumpet vine.  I had been forewarned that it really
likes to run and re-root and come up all over the place, so I planted two in
large wine barrels at the entrance to my pergola/gazebo.  They have grown to
cover the top and drape down the sides, and bloomed beautifully for at least
6 or 7 years now.  I top pruned this last year and have been rewarded with a
great bloom season. (One year my next door neighbor, whose balcony affords a
view of the top of this structure, asked me what on earth I had that was
covering my gazebo in pink blooms) The twisty canes that climb up along the
main entrance posts are quite large now and resprout new little stems all
the time, which I either train upward or cut to my taste.  One note: I do
fertilize regularly as the soil volume is not large enough to provide
adequate nutrition for a long growing season.  Also, it needs daily water in
the hottest weeks, though it has gone every other day often enough owing to
my forgetfulness and a thick layer of wood chip mulch.  It is very
forgiving.  I should think your Campsis will be as well.  Good luck!
Side note: Podranea is also lightly fragrant, an added bonus when you are
dining under it!  I highly recommend it.
Karrie Reid
Folsom Foothill Gardener
Zone 9

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-medit-plants@ucdavis.edu [o*@ucdavis.edu]
On Behalf Of Caroline Drummond
Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2007 5:12 PM
To: medit-plants@ucdavis.edu
Subject: Campsis grandiflora 


Hi, I am new to this group. I am attempting to create a Mediterranean-style
garden in Crawley, West Sussex, near Gatwick Airport, South-East England.

My first question is about where to plant my new Campsis grandiflora. I have
a south-facing pergola between my kitchen and conservatory, but the Campsis
would need to go in a big pot for this situation. Do Campsis do well in
pots? The alternative would be a south-facing fence, where I could plant it
in the ground, but this site might not be so well protected from cold winds
and frost. Any thoughts?


Thanks,

Caroline
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