The Balboa Sunset® is a fast growing Trumpet Vine with many vibrant, red-orange flowers that bloom late spring through fall and attract hummingbirds. This cultivar of Campsis radicans, is also known as trumpet creeper or hummingbird vine. It can be grown on a trellis or as a ground cover, and is deciduous, meaning it sheds its leaves annually. Once it's established after regular deep watering in the beginning, it will thrive and bloom beautifully even if it's neglected a little.
How to care for Balboa Sunset® Trumpet Vine
Light. Full sun gives the most flowers.
Water. Water regularly until it is established. After that it is highly drought tolerant and needs little or no extra water.
Soil and feeding. It adapts to sand, clay or loam as long as the soil drains well. Some organic matter helps it thrive.
Size. Climbs 8 ft or more. Like other trumpet vines, it can reach 30 ft with support, and it grows fast.
Pruning. Prune in early spring, since it flowers on new growth. Pull root suckers regularly to keep it in bounds.
Problems to watch. Its clinging rootlets damage wood siding, shingles and mortar. Grow it on a metal fence, arbor or pergola, not on the house or a tree.
Good to know. The species is a Florida native that hummingbirds pollinate. Leaves and flowers can cause skin rash, and the plant is toxic if eaten.
Sources: UF/IFAS Ask IFAS (EDIS): FP099 Campsis radicans: Trumpet Creeper, Trumpet Vine · Natives for Your Neighborhood (Institute for Regional Conservation): Campsis radicans
