Campsis
are self clinging climbers using aerial roots to attach their
long stems. It takes two or three years to establish a framework
of branches before plants begin to flower well. A sunny site
is needed to ripen the wood to promote good flowering.
Training a young plant
The aim is to produce a framework of stems from which flowering shoots emerge each year. After planting cut back all the stems to 15cm (6in) from the ground to stimulate new growth. Train the strongest shoots by tying to wires to fill the required space. Remove weaker shoots.
Pruning an established plant
Once a framework is established, usually in two to three years, spur prune sideshoots annually in late winter to within two to three buds of the main stems. Remove weak growth and cut back damaged stems close to the base.
Renovation
Hard pruning will reduce flowering, but can be used to renovate an overgrown plant. Cut back all shoots to within 30cm (12in) of the base in late winter and train in the strongest of the new shoots.