Waiting for the birds
Posted: July 18, 2020 Filed under: Uncategorized 13 CommentsI planted Campsis Radicans (Trumpet Vine) about four years ago. The first year, there were no flowers. Second year, the same. Last year, I had one cluster of buds that was quickly eaten by something. This year the thing is covered with flowers. I know, some consider it invasive, and it can grow up to 40 feet. But I have it in a spot where it has room to move, and I really enjoy the deep coral colour of the blooms, so I am letting it go for now. Plus, the flowers attract hummingbirds, and that is certainly something worth waiting for.
Shari Blaukopf's Sketchbook 
Just lovely. Orange is my favorite flower color. Inspires me to go out and paint our daylilies but it is so hot right now-and humid-and lots of bees out there.
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Wow, this is all gorgeous, the pot study in particular.
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They really are beautiful. We have had one by our parking spot for years and in the summer you can see that bright vermilion popping out in amid the deep lush green leaves of summer. It’s never spread anywhere else on our property that I know about, but this year the tree it was growing on had to be cut down. Here’s hoping it survives!
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That is a good description of it Jill. The flowers are often hidden in the amongst the foliage. I hope your survives!
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Nice spot watercolors ! Before downsizing into an apartment setting, we had a huge Trumpet vine that was gorgeous. There is not much maintenance other keeping it tamed.. The only issue I had was that it attracted hornets and bees where I’m highly allergic to their stings.
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James, I was sitting next to the vine yesterday and I couldn’t believe how many bees were flying into the flowers. So understandably, this wold be a problem for someone like you. Thanks for writing.
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Always admired this plant but new tried to grow one. Your paintings are lovely.
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Thanks so much Barbara!!
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I can only imagine how gorgeous all those flowers will be.
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And they don’t all bloom at the same time so I can enjoy them over many weeks!
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Invasive or not, it is a lovely flower and I really like the color!
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Dear Shari, I’m glad to hear you’ve managed to avoid getting any stings by the bees that visit your Trumpet vine. F.Y.I. A lesson I learned the hard way after some bee stings sent me to the hospital. I now carry an “Epi Pen” in the field just in case. Bees, hornets and wasps establish a flight path to and from the source in what they gather which can be determined by carful viewing especially if the sun is in the right direction. The flight paths are similar to what airlines establish between destinations. Once you’ve discovered the insect paths just stay out of their way and you won’t be harmed. Yellow jackets are the most feared insect for me ! Jim
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Jim, this is great advice. I have been watching the wasps in the flowers, but hadn’t detected any patterns. I am definitely not observing closely enough. I will have to do that. Glad you figured it out! Without getting stung. Shari
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