Campsis radicans Stromboli - A Showstopping Climber for Sunny Spots

Trumpet Vine

Welcome to the captivating world of Campsis radicans Stromboli — a fiery and fast-growing cultivar of the iconic trumpet vine. Known for its dazzling scarlet-red trumpet-shaped blooms and vigorous climbing habit, ‘Stromboli’ is a showstopping choice for gardeners seeking to introduce bold colour, structure, and wildlife interest to their outdoor spaces.

Whether you’re an experienced horticulturist or just beginning your gardening journey, this low-maintenance climber offers a rewarding combination of ornamental drama and ecological value. Its adaptability to UK gardens and its spectacular summer display make it a standout addition to walls, trellises, and pergolas.

A cultivated form of the North American trumpet vine, Campsis radicans Stromboli elevates the traditional species with even deeper, more saturated red flowers and a denser, more dramatic growth habit. Native to the southeastern United States, this cultivar has proven remarkably adaptable to cooler, temperate climates, thriving across much of the UK with minimal fuss.

Its lush, pinnate foliage and profuse blooming habit provide a tropical flair that contrasts beautifully with traditional English garden plants. Ideal for adding vertical impact and vibrant colour, ‘Stromboli’ is a reliable performer that continues gaining popularity among landscape designers and garden enthusiasts.

One of Campsis radicans Stromboli’s most striking characteristics is its extravagant floral display. From mid-July to early October, this vigorous climber produces trumpet-shaped flowers in rich shades of scarlet to crimson. Each bloom measures approximately 7–8 cm in length and appears in generous clusters, creating a brilliant contrast against the deep green backdrop of the foliage.

The leaves themselves are no less impressive. Arranged in opposing pairs, the pinnate leaflets form lush, textured fronds that reach 30 cm long. This dense foliage provides a verdant canvas that enhances the vibrancy of the red blooms, making ‘Stromboli’ a compelling feature plant in any seasonal display.

The bold flowers and vigorous greenery offer year-round visual appeal, particularly when used to cloak fences, walls, arches or arbours. This dynamic pairing of form and colour makes it an ideal candidate for focal planting or as part of a wildlife-friendly border scheme.

One of the reasons ‘Stromboli’ is such a dependable garden performer is its adaptability. This sun-loving climber thrives in full sun, where it will flower most abundantly, but it can also tolerate partial shade with only a modest reduction in bloom.

It is unfussy about soil type, performing well in various conditions, including sandy, loamy, or even heavier clay soils, provided they are well-drained. Its robust nature and tolerance for different substrates make it suitable for urban and rural gardens.

Hardy down to -15°C (5°F), ‘Stromboli’ is well suited to most regions of the UK. For best results, plant in a sheltered, sunny position protected from cold, drying winds. A south—or west-facing wall is ideal, offering both warmth and support for climbing.

Plant Campsis radicans ‘Stromboli’ in either spring or early autumn, when soil temperatures are moderate and moisture levels are more consistent. Dig a generous planting hole twice as wide as the rootball and incorporate well-rotted manure or compost to improve soil structure and fertility.

Once positioned, backfill carefully and water thoroughly to help the roots establish. Given its climbing nature, ‘Stromboli’ will require a strong support structure from the outset—choose a trellis, pergola, fence, or masonry wall, and consider using garden ties to guide the initial stages of its growth.

Keep the soil consistently moist during its first growing season, especially in dry weather. Once established, the plant becomes increasingly drought-tolerant, though occasional deep watering during hot spells will enhance flowering and vigour. Mulching annually in spring will help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and provide a slow-release source of nutrients.

Campsis radicans ‘Stromboli’ is a self-clinging climber that attaches itself to vertical surfaces using aerial roots. It can rapidly cover a structure with minimal intervention, though some initial guidance with ties or supports may help direct its growth for a cleaner aesthetic.

Pruning is key to maintaining a healthy, floriferous vine. Carry out structural pruning in late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges. Cut back side shoots to two or three buds from the main framework to encourage bushier, denser growth and promote prolific flowering.

Regularly remove any overcrowded, dead, or crossing stems to improve airflow and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. With routine maintenance, ‘Stromboli’ will retain a well-balanced shape and deliver a spectacular floral performance year after year.

While Campsis radicans Stromboli’s exuberant growth contributes to its visual appeal, it can become overly assertive if left unchecked. In ideal conditions, it may produce root suckers or extend beyond its intended space.

To maintain control, incorporate annual pruning into your routine and promptly remove unwanted shoots. When planting near sensitive areas or delicate borders, consider installing underground root barriers to restrict lateral spread. With attention, ‘Stromboli’ can be enjoyed without concerns about invasiveness.

Another appealing trait of ‘Stromboli’ is its general resistance to pests and diseases. It’s rarely troubled by common garden issues, though occasional infestations of aphids or scale insects may occur. These can usually be managed with targeted horticultural sprays or biological controls.

Proper pruning to maintain airflow helps prevent fungal problems such as powdery mildew or leaf spot. Keeping the plant healthy and well-structured will minimise risk and ensure continued performance with little intervention.

Beyond its ornamental value, Campsis radicans Stromboli plays a beneficial ecological role in the garden. The large, nectar-rich flowers are irresistible to bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, offering a valuable food source during the late summer months when other blooms may be fading.

Its dense foliage also shelters birds and insects, contributing to a thriving garden ecosystem. By incorporating ‘Stromboli’ into your planting scheme, you’re making a stylish yet sustainable choice that supports biodiversity.

With its bold colour and climbing habit, ‘Stromboli’ is perfect for adding height and drama to any garden design. Allow it to scramble up walls, frame entrances, or weave through pergolas for a striking effect. Its tropical-looking blooms pair beautifully with ornamental grasses, silvery perennials, or evergreen shrubs, providing contrast and seasonal interest.

It also works exceptionally well in wildlife gardens, Mediterranean-themed borders, or anywhere a splash of fiery red is needed to enliven the scene. Whether used as a backdrop or a feature in its own right, ‘Stromboli’ delivers aesthetic and functional value in equal measure.

There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching Campsis radicans ‘Stromboli’ take off in summer — its fiery blooms never fail to draw the eye or stir up conversation. In my garden, I’ve trained it up a warm, south-facing brick wall where it thrives, soaking up the sun and putting on a spectacular show from July to autumn. The colour is so rich it almost glows in the evening light. It’s also a favourite with bees and butterflies, which adds to the sense that the garden is alive and buzzing with energy. While its vigour means a bit of pruning is essential, I’ve found it easy to manage with an annual tidy-up. If you’re looking for a climber with impact, resilience, and real seasonal presence, ‘Stromboli’ won’t disappoint. Give it sun, space, and a little care — and it’ll repay you tenfold.

• Striking Blooms: Campsis radicans ‘Stromboli’ produces bold, scarlet-red trumpet flowers from midsummer to early autumn.
• Vigorous Growth: A fast-growing, self-clinging climber ideal for covering walls, fences, pergolas, and arbours.
• Wildlife Friendly: Highly attractive to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hoverflies; supports garden biodiversity.
• Adaptable and Hardy: It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and is hardy down to -15°C, making it suitable for most UK gardens.
• Low Maintenance: Generally pest- and disease-resistant; benefits from annual pruning to control size and boost flowering.
• Versatile in Design: It adds vertical interest and bold colour and pairs well with ornamental grasses and contrasting perennials.
• Planting Advice: Best planted in spring or autumn with support in place; mulch annually and water regularly in the first year.
• Manage Spread: Prune regularly and remove suckers to prevent unwanted invasiveness; use root barriers if needed.
• Seasonal Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant, improve airflow, and encourage abundant blooms.
• Eco-Conscious Choice: This plant combines ornamental value with ecological benefits, enhancing the look and health of your garden.

Campsis radicans ‘Stromboli’ is more than just a plant — it’s a statement. Its explosive red flowers, lush foliage, and robust growth transform ordinary spaces into botanical focal points. Adaptable, wildlife-friendly, and relatively easy to manage, this dynamic climber is a worthy investment for gardeners of all skill levels.

Introduce ‘Stromboli’ into your garden and enjoy months of vibrant colour, vertical interest, and beneficial wildlife activity. It will reward you with years of beauty and ecological enrichment with thoughtful care and strategic placement.

Explore our full collection of planting guides for expert advice on climbers and wall shrubs.

Want to learn about other climbers? Read about Campsis radicans Yellow Trumpet, here.

Q: What makes ‘Stromboli’ special?

A: ‘Stromboli’ features large, deep red flowers inside and outside, with dark veins on a yellowish throat. This striking colour combination creates a more dramatic display than standard Campsis varieties.

Q: How tall does ‘Stromboli’ grow?

A: This vigorous climber can reach up to 10 metres (33 feet) in height. It develops a dense coverage pattern, making it perfect for walls, pergolas, and fences.

Q: When does ‘Stromboli’ flower?

A: Flowering begins in mid-July and continues until the first frosts. Well-established plants provide a long-lasting display throughout late summer and autumn.

Q: What growing conditions does it need?

A: ‘Stromboli’ requires a warm, sunny position for prolific flowering. It prefers limey soil and develops deep roots, so good soil preparation helps establish strong growth.

Q: How should I prune ‘Stromboli’?

A: For abundant flowers, prune every spring by cutting last year’s growth back to 2-3 pairs of live buds. More pruning creates more shoots, which leads to more flowers.

Q: Does it need special support?

A: The first branches need to be tied to supports, as this variety cannot twine around them independently. Install strong support structures before planting to guide growth effectively.

Q: What about the foliage?

A: The pinnate leaves are large, deciduous, deep green, and have an exotic appearance. They emerge late in the season, typically at the end of April.

Q: Is it suitable for UK gardens?

A: ‘Stromboli’ grows well in UK conditions, particularly in sheltered spots. Its vigorous nature requires strong support, making it ideal for established garden structures.

Q: How do I encourage better flowering?

A: Plant in a warm and sunny spot, essential for prolific flowering. Regular pruning and proper support help maximise the flowering potential each season.

Q: What maintenance does it need?

A: Beyond annual pruning, ‘Stromboli’ needs minimal maintenance. Focus on training young growth, removing damaged stems, and ensuring adequate water during dry spells.