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Pruning guide · Climber
Chinese trumpet vine: when and how to prune
Campsis grandiflora
Chinese trumpet vine is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in March |
| Flowering | July–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Chinese trumpet vine: when to prune it?
In March, before growth starts. It flowers on new wood, so a firm spring prune costs no flowers.
What else to prune in those months? March
Chinese trumpet vine: how to prune it?
- Cut last year’s side shoots back to two or three buds from the permanent framework.
- In the first years, build a framework of a few strong main stems and tie them in a fan against the wall.
- Remove dead and frost-damaged wood back to healthy growth.
- Renew an old, bare plant by cutting a few old main stems back close to the ground.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in March can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
- Chinese trumpet vine flowers in July–September, when it attracts bees.
- Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.
Common mistakes
- Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
Caution: Do not prune in summer: the flowers form at the tips of the new shoots.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Chinese trumpet vine · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.