Campsis radicans 'Madame Galen' (Trumpet Vine)

Madame Galen Trumpet Vine is a vigorous deciduous climber producing enormous clusters of large, salmon-orange trumpet flowers from midsummer through fall. A hybrid between North American Campsis radicans and Chinese C. grandiflora, Madame Galen is considered more restrained than straight Campsis radicans but still puts on an impressive show, reaching 25 to 35 feet given the right support. Hummingbirds cannot resist it, making it one of the most reliable hummingbird plants for Pacific Northwest gardens.

Plant in full sun in well-drained to average soil. This vine is notably drought tolerant once established, thriving in conditions far too harsh for many ornamentals. Hardy to USDA zones 4 to 9, it sails through Oregon coast winters without complaint. Attach young stems to a strong trellis, arbor, or fence, as the plant climbs by aerial rootlets and becomes genuinely heavy at maturity. Cut back hard in late winter to a permanent woody framework to control size and maximize flowering on new growth. Wear gloves when pruning, as contact with sap and foliage can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Madame Galen is mildly deer resistant and draws both hummingbirds and butterflies. Give it space, a sturdy anchor, and full sun, and it will reward you with months of color when most summer vines are winding down. Avoid planting against wooden siding, as the aerial rootlets can cause damage over time.