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One of the more robust and vigorous flowering vines available is Madam Galen trumpet creeper. What is a Madame Galen vine? This member of the Campsis family produces huge flowers on twining, woody stems. Trellises, fences, arbors, and even old sheds are excellent sites for growing a Madame Galen. Further information will help you decide if this plant is right for you.
The Campsis Madame Galen trumpet vine is a gorgeous addition to any outdoor space. With its abundant blooms and fast growth, this vine makes a dramatic statement wherever it climbs. Though easy to grow, proper care is required to keep Campsis Madame Galen healthy and looking its best. This article provides tips on growing and caring for Campsis Madame Galen trumpet vines
Campsis Madame Galen, also known by its botanical name Campsis x tagliabuana ‘Madame Galen’, is a hybrid trumpet vine. It is a cross between the native American trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) and the Chinese trumpet vine (Campsis grandiflora).
Campsis Madame Galen was developed in the early 1900s by Italian nurserymen, the Tagliabue brothers. Its species name “tagliabuana” honors the Tagliabues for their work in creating this hybrid vine.
Some key features of Campsis Madame Galen include:
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Abundant blooms from summer to fall The flowers are trumpet-shaped, 3 inches across, and salmon-red to orange-red in color
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Fast growing woody vines that can reach 25-30 feet long.
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Climbing habit supported by aerial roots that cling to structures.
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Attractive dark green, compound leaves with 7-11 leaflets.
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Hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
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Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
With its long bloom season and vigorous growth, Campsis Madame Galen makes a dramatic statement in the garden. It’s an excellent choice for quickly covering fences, arbors, trellises, and more.
How to Grow Campsis Madame Galen
Campsis Madame Galen is easy to grow in most environments. Here are some key tips for getting this vine established:
Site Selection
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Campsis Madame Galen thrives in full sun locations but also tolerates partial shade.
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Provide support for the vine to climb such as a trellis, fence, or arbor. It can also be allowed to ramble over the ground.
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Well-drained soil is optimal, but Campsis Madame Galen is adaptable to most soils.
Planting
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Plant in spring after the last frost. Space plants 8-10 feet apart if using as a ground cover.
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Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same level it was growing in the nursery pot.
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Water thoroughly after planting and apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base of the plant.
Care
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Water regularly during the first year to establish roots. Then water only during drought.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support growth.
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Prune each year in late winter to early spring to control size and encourage blooms.
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Provide sturdy support for the vigorous vines to climb.
Caring for Campsis Madame Galen Vines
Once established, Campsis Madame Galen care is quite easy. These vines thrive even with minimal care. Here are some tips for keeping your Campsis healthy and vigorous:
Watering
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Water regularly during the first year after planting, about 1-2 inches per week. This encourages deep root growth.
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After establishment, water only as needed during drought. About 1 inch per week is sufficient.
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Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing
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Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring. This provides nutrients to support growth and blooms.
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Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers which cause excess leaf growth instead of flowers.
Pruning
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Prune each year in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
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Remove any dead or damaged growth first. Then cut back stems to just a few buds to encourage branching and flowering.
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Keeping vines pruned helps control size and maintains vigor.
Support
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Provide strong trellises, fences, poles, or other structures for the vines to climb each year.
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Use plant ties or clips to loosely attach vines to supports as needed. Avoid constricting the stems.
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Keep vines within bounds through pruning; don’t allow growth on roof surfaces or gutters.
Pest/Disease Control
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Campsis Madame Galen has few serious pest or disease issues. Monitor for aphids, spider mites, scale, or powdery mildew and treat as needed.
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Ensure good air circulation through proper spacing and pruning. This prevents fungal disease issues.
Where to Use Campsis Madame Galen in the Landscape
With its vigorous growth and abundant blooms, Campsis Madame Galen makes a statement wherever it grows. Here are some of the best ways to showcase this vine:
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Covering arbors or pergolas to create floral ceilings for paths or seating areas. Prune to keep growth in check.
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Climbing up A-frame trellises or obelisks as striking vertical accents.
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Cascading over fences or walls to provide privacy screening with seasonal color.
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Rambing over rocks, stumps, or around tree trunks to soften hardscaping and add interest.
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Covering unsightly structures such as sheds, garages, and outbuildings with floral color.
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Mixing with other vines such as clematis on supports to create layered textures and extended bloom seasons.
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Planting as a fast-growing ground cover over slopes, banks, or areas that are difficult to mow.
Common Problems With Campsis Madame Galen
When provided appropriate growing conditions, Campsis Madame Galen is disease and pest resistant. However, here are some potential problems to watch for:
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Invasive growth – Monitor spread from suckers and self-seeding. Keep vines within desired boundaries.
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Lack of blooms – Promote flowering by pruning annually, allowing vines to mature, and avoiding high nitrogen fertilizer.
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Damage to structures – Ensure supports are sturdy enough to hold mature vines which can reach 25-30 feet long.
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Fungal diseases – Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Promptly remove affected foliage.
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Pests such as aphids, mites, or scale – Hose off pests with water or use organic insecticidal soap sprays as needed.
Tips for Getting the Most Blooms
The bold orange-red flowers of Campsis Madame Galen are the star of this vine. Follow these tips for the longest bloom time:
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Allow vines to mature, which usually takes 3-5 years before abundant flowering.
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Prune annually in late winter to remove old wood and encourage new growth that will bloom.
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Water regularly during first year and in droughts. Avoid overwatering.
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Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring. Excess nitrogen reduces blooms.
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Grow vine in full sun to maximize flower production.
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Plant with other pollinator-friendly plants to attract more bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds which will help with pollination.
Alternatives to Campsis Madame Galen
If you love the look of Campsis Madame Galen but it may not be suitable for your specific landscape, here are some alternative vines to consider:
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Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) – Native vine with red trumpet blooms attractive to hummingbirds. Less aggressive than Campsis.
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Hydrangea anomala petiolaris – Climbing hydrangea with gorgeous white lacecap blooms and fall foliage. Slower growing.
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Dutchman’s pipe (Aristolochia durior) – Large, unique pipe-shaped flowers and huge leaves provide tropical look.
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Clematis hybrids – Wide range of clematis vines available with colorful blooms in single and double forms. More delicate growth.
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Silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii) – Fast growing with clouds of tiny white flowers and reddish leaves. Less showy blooms than Campsis.
With its vibrant flowers and rapid growth, Campsis Madame Galen is one of the showiest flowering vines available. Though robust, this trumpet vine requires minimal care when provided the proper growing conditions. A bit of annual pruning and training is needed to keep its growth in check. For gardeners seeking drama and seasonal color, Campsis Madame Galen is sure to satisfy. Follow the tips above to successfully grow this stunning vine in your own landscape.
Madame Galen Plant Info
If you need a plant that will both be beautiful and yet doesnt need much maintenance, try growing a Madame Galen. This gorgeous trumpet vine relative can grow up to 25 feet (8 m.) in length and climbs using its aerial roots. In just a couple of seasons, any eyesore in your landscape can be transformed with lacy foliage and bright colored blooms. Best of all, Madame Galen needs no special care and only minimal maintenance. Madame Galen trumpet vines are a cross between American and Chinese trumpet vines. Campsis tagliabuana owes its genus name to the Greek kampe, which means curved, and refers to the showy stamen of the flowers. The species name is a nod to the Tagliabue brothers, Italian nurserymen that first developed the plant. The foliage is extremely attractive, shiny green and up to 15 inches (38 cm.) long with 7 to 11 leaflets. The stems are woody and twine around themselves to help support the vine. Its the blooms that are the standout though. They are 3 inches (8 cm.) across, salmon red to orange-red with yellow throats. The vine will bloom all summer long and is attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Growing Madame Galen Trumpet Creeper
This is a very tolerant plant and thrives in either full sun or partial shade. Madame Galen has the potential to become invasive in some zones, so exercise caution and keep an eye on this rampant grower. It has the capacity to self-seed and produces copious suckers. Whatever structure it will grow on needs to be quite strong, as a mature vine develops many heavy wooden stems. The vine is also excellent as a ground cover over rockeries or piles of rocks or stumps that need to be hidden. Madame Galen trumpet vines like a hot, dry area once established.
Trumpet Vine – BEWARE this Hummingbird Magnet has a Dangerous Side – Why grow Campsis Radicans
FAQ
Is Madame Galen trumpet vine invasive?
This hybrid is an invasive and aggressive plant which suckers from underground runners and self-seeds, though it is more restrained than Campsis radicans.
How do you care for Madame Galen trumpet vine?
Prune annually to control size. Sap may irritate skin. Easily grown in lean, well-drained soils. Water deeply, regularly in first growing season to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency once established.
Where is the best place to plant a trumpet vine?
- Wildlife Value: Trumpet vines can attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
- Potential Issues: Trumpet vines can be invasive and may damage structures if planted too close.
- Bloom Time: Trumpet vines typically bloom in late summer and early fall.
- Hardiness: Trumpet vines are hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
How aggressive is trumpet vine?
The woody perennial vine can take over a yard in a single season in the warmest, wettest places, growing 30 and 40 feet tall and covering trees and fences faster than you say “Damn that invasive plant!” If you’re not vigilant, trumpet vine can escape your yard and choke out other plants in the surrounding landscape.
What is a Madame Galen trumpet vine?
Madame Galen trumpet vines are a cross between American and Chinese trumpet vines. Campsis tagliabuana owes its genus name to the Greek ‘kampe,’ which means curved, and refers to the showy stamen of the flowers. The species name is a nod to the Tagliabue brothers, Italian nurserymen that first developed the plant.
What is a madam Galen vine?
One of the more robust and vigorous flowering vines available is Madam Galen trumpet creeper. What is a Madame Galen vine? This member of the Campsis family produces huge flowers on twining, woody stems. Trellises, fences, arbors, and even old sheds are excellent sites for growing a Madame Galen.
What is a madam Galen trumpet creeper?
One of the more robust and vigorous flowering vines available is Madam Galen trumpet creeper. Trellises, fences, arbors and even old sheds are excellent sites for growing a Madame Galen. Further information, found here, will help you decide if this plant is right for you.
How do you care for Madame Galen trumpet vines?
Madame Galen trumpet vines like a hot, dry area once established. Campsis have few insect or pest problems. Keep young vines moist as they establish and help them a bit as they climb initially. The biggest problem is the potential to spread to areas where it is not wanted. Pruning is necessary to keep the plant from getting out of hand.
What is a tagliabuana trumpet creeper?
Trumpet Creeper ‘Madame Galen’, Trumpet Vine ‘Madame Galen’ A vigorous hybrid Trumpet Creeper, award-winning Campsis x tagliabuana ‘Madame Galen’ is a self-clinging woody climber with particularly showy trumpet-shaped flowers, 3 in. long (8 cm), flushed salmon red to red-orange to rich gold deep in the throat.
Is ‘Madame Galen’ a Radican or a grandiflora?
Climbing or scrambling over everything in its path by aerial rootlets, ‘Madame Galen’ is a charming hybrid between Campsis radicans (American Trumpet Vine) and Campsis grandiflora (Chinese Trumpet Vine). Make sure you keep it under tight control as it has an aggressive colonizing tendency.