I Cannot Get A Hummingbird Vine To Grow. I Have…
Mildred Asked
I cannot get a hummingbird vine to grow. I have gotten 100 or more over the years, and they will not grow for me. I’ve planted them in full sun, part sun, full shade, dry soil, wet soil, and still no vine. What am I doing wrong?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hi, Mildred: There are a couple of different vines commonly referred to as a hummingbird vine. The perennial trumpet vine (Campsis radicans), also known as a hummingbird vine, can be very aggressive and hard to keep under control once established. This vine can climb upward of 40 feet. The annual hummingbird vine (Ipomea quamoclit) will reach up to 20 feet in one growing season. Both vines when in bloom attract bees, butterflies, and of course hummingbirds. I am not sure which one you are referring to but I will assume it is the annual vine since you have planted it so many times. It sounds like you have tried to grow this vine in just about every situation possible. For best results, this vine is happiest when planted in full sun. This means it should receive a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day. It will tolerate part shade but will not bloom as well. It should not be planted in a space where it will get less than four hours of bright direct sunlight. As with any new addition to the garden, you will need to give the roots additional moisture if Mother Nature does not provide it. It is possible to over-water, which can cause the roots to rot, so it is always a good idea to feel the soil before you water to make sure the soil is dry at least a couple of inches below the surface. Have you tried starting from seed or actual plants? You can always ask your friend if she can save you some seeds from her plants so you can plant them next spring. You could start the seeds indoors or you can directly sow them in the garden after the frost-free date for your area has passed. When starting from seed, it is important to keep the soil evenly moist. It should not be allowed to completely dry out or remain sopping wet. If you have never had any growth when starting from seed, this could be why. Whether you are planting seed or starts, there is a fine line between over- and under-watering, so make sure to test the soil with your finger before adding any additional moisture.
