Campsis 'Indian Summer'

20 years ago

With all the plants that I have, by far this one receives the most comments. One lady had insisted it was tender tropical, and an older fellow had been totally smitten by it. I've had it now for what must be six or seven years. I was interested in the fact it was rated for zone 3 and was also said to be a good container subject. Naturally, I'm rather skeptical it would survive our winters, and for the time being it seems very happy in a large pot. It has been flowering for nearly three months and appears to have no intention of stopping. The flowers are of a rich burnt apricot and the foliage is dissected shiny and dark. A container grown plant must receive plenty of nutrients and be watched for those darn spider mites! The plant is only about 5' tall and has remained rather compact. In spring I trim the previously seasons growth back to the main trunk. If cut back too hard, you'd then have few or no flowers. I might later plant directly in the ground and protect for winter. Terry

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Comments (6)

Laurie_z3_MB
20 years ago
That is a beauty all right! It's rated for zone 3 is it? It would be interesting to see how well it fairs through one of our winters. At 5' tall, it would sure be a stunning specimen!
sazzyrose
20 years ago
Terry, if you've had this plant for years, what have you done with it in the winter? I think that it is absolutely gorgeous. I must look for one next spring.
Shelley
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glen3a
20 years ago
Very nice indeed. Quite a few years ago I had a campsis, though mine was campsis radicans. It grew it at my parents place, definite zone 2b. It survived one winter unprotected, struggled the next summer, then died the following winter.

But, from what it sounds like, yours might be a plant worthy of the extra effort of winter protection. In my opinion a plant has to be worth the effort, and blooming pretty well all summer does qualify.

But, you have my curiosity as well. How do you overwinter it?

Regards,
Glen
FrozeBudd_z3/4
Original Author
20 years ago
In the GardenImport catalogue they had this one listed as zone 3 ... but, I have yet to prove that for myself.

I previously had this particular vine planted directly in the ground in my solarium ... there it had done very well, though was always plagued by major attacks of those darn spider mites! I then thought best to pot it up and treat is as an outdoor summer plant. It spends the winters in my coldroom where the temperature is maintained around 4 c. If when I choose to plant directly outdoors, I would situate it up against the south side of the house and thoroughly insulate the entire thing for winter ... then hope for the best!

Terry
kat3
20 years ago
I had a Campsis Radicans Flamenco zone 4 survived last winter against an east wall. It didn't bloom but grew about 4ft. Any sercrets on getting it to bloom ? All I did was mulch & water it in good before freeze up.. Should I cover the whole plant too?
FrozeBudd_z3/4
Original Author
20 years ago
Kat3, as you know last winter was EXTREMELY mild in Alberta, thus likely the success of your 'Flamenco 'having made it through it's first winter ... did you have much dieback? Your plant will have to grow and mature more in order to come into flower ... where as 'Indian Summer' will bloom at a younger age and is also more compact growing. I guess, you can try protecting the entire plant OR hope for another balmy winter! I'd suggest you give 'Indian Summer' a try ... with this variety you'd only have to maintain and protect a short 3 or 4 ft trunk in order to have flowers come forth from the old wood.

Terry