Luleaua turcului cu flori mari - Campsis grandiflora

Campsis grandiflora - botanical species also known by the popular name Chinese trumpet or Chinese wisteria , is a vigorous climbing plant in the Bignoniaceae family, native to East Asia, particularly China and Japan. This species is valued for its large, showy flowers, and for its ability to add a tropical accent to gardens, being a popular alternative to other climbing plants such as wisteria.

Flower appearance

• Shape : The flowers are large, trumpet-shaped, 6-10 cm long and 5-8 cm in diameter when opened. The petals are united at the base, forming a tube that widens towards the tip.
• Color : Varies from bright orange to coral-red, sometimes with lighter shades of yellow inside the tube, providing a vibrant contrast.
• Flowering period : It blooms from July to September , sometimes even until October, depending on the evolution of temperatures, providing an explosion of color in the second half of summer.
• Arrangement : The flowers appear in terminal clusters (panicles) of 4-12 flowers, which stand out against the green foliage.

Growth characteristics

• Height : It can reach 6-10 meters in height, sometimes more in ideal conditions, with rapid growth that requires solid support (trellises, pergolas, fences).
• Foliage : The leaves are compound, pinnate, with 7-9 oval leaflets, dark green, glossy, 4-7 cm long. The foliage is dense and provides an excellent backdrop for the flowers.
• Stems : The stems are woody and cling to surfaces through adhesive aerial roots, making it capable of climbing walls or structures without additional help.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers full sun for maximum flowering, but also tolerates semi-shade, with a reduction in the number of flowers.
• Soil : Adapts to a wide range of soils, but thrives in fertile, well-drained soils with a neutral or slightly acidic pH. It also tolerates poorer soils.
• Watering : Requires regular watering in the first few years, but becomes moderately drought tolerant once established.
• Pruning : Pruning is recommended in early spring (March) to control growth and stimulate flowering. Cut the side shoots to 2-3 buds from the base of the old wood.

Care and resistance

• Cold resistance : Resists low temperatures well.
• Fertilization : A balanced fertilizer applied in spring supports growth and flowering.
• Pests : It can be affected by aphids (especially in areas with many ant nests) or mites, but is generally resistant to diseases.

Campsis grandiflora is ideal for covering pergolas, fences or walls, where its orange-red flowers add an exotic touch. It combines well with plants with dark green foliage or white flowers, creating a vibrant contrast. Due to its vigor, it is suitable for large spaces, but can also be grown in containers with regular pruning.

Origin

Campsis grandiflora is native to East Asia , particularly China and Japan, where it grows naturally in forests and on hillsides. It was introduced to Europe and North America in the 19th century as an ornamental plant, due to its impressive flowers and rapid growth. The name "grandiflora" reflects the large size of the flowers , which distinguishes it from its American relative, Campsis radicans. Over time, it has been cultivated and hybridized to enhance its appeal in landscaping, becoming a symbol of tropical or Mediterranean gardens.