
Position
- Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. A sunny position promotes optimal flowering
Hardiness
- Hardy down to approximately -15°C (5°F)
Soil Type
- Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil and can adapt to sandy, loamy, or clay soil
Soil PH
- Tolerates a range of pH levels, including acid, neutral, and alkaline
- Grab a soil test kit and ensure the perfect conditions for growth
Height
- Can reach an approximate height of 6 to 10 metres (20 to 33 feet)
Seasons of Interest
- Flowering Times:
- Blooms from midsummer to early autumn with apricot to peach-coloured trumpet-shaped flowers
- Foliage:
- Features deep green pinnate leaves; does not exhibit significant variegation or notable autumn colour changes
Bring Tropical Colour to Your Garden with Campsis radicans ‘Judy’
Step into the radiant world of Campsis radicans Judy, a captivating classic trumpet vine cultivar renowned for its soft apricot blooms and luxuriant foliage. This deciduous climber combines ornamental brilliance with robust growth, offering gardeners a low-maintenance yet high-impact solution for vertical interest. Whether you’re looking to cover a blank wall, train a plant up a pergola, or inject vibrant colour into your summer garden, ‘Judy’ delivers drama, texture, and ecological value in equal measure. Perfect for UK gardens, it performs exceptionally well in various settings, making it a versatile choice for both new and experienced gardeners alike.
Introducing Campsis radicans ‘Judy’: A Softly Coloured Twist on the Trumpet Vine
Campsis radicans Judy is a refined cultivar of the traditional trumpet vine, cherished for its soft peach-apricot trumpet-shaped blooms and vigorous, climbing nature. Native to North America and bred for improved ornamental appeal, ‘Judy’ has been widely embraced by UK gardeners thanks to its ability to thrive in temperate climates with minimal fuss. Its long flowering period, striking vertical growth, and pollinator-friendly traits make it a standout feature in any garden design, particularly where vertical coverage and seasonal colour are needed.
Apricot Blooms and Lush Green Foliage: The Hallmarks of ‘Judy’
Campsis radicans Judy’s crowning glory lies in its elegant blooms. From mid-July through early autumn, it produces abundant clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers in glowing shades of apricot and peach. Each bloom measures 7–8 cm in length, creating a bold and eye-catching display that brings warmth and vitality to the garden, just as many other plants begin to fade.
Complementing the vibrant flowers is a canopy of deep green, pinnate foliage. The leaves grow in opposing pairs, forming up to 30 cm long fronds. This lush foliage provides a tropical, textural backdrop that enhances the visibility of the blooms while maintaining year-round interest, even when the plant is not in flower.
Optimal Growing Conditions for Campsis radicans ‘Judy’
‘Judy’ is remarkably adaptable and thrives in various garden settings. For best results, position this sun-loving climber in full sun, where it will produce the most abundant flowers. It can tolerate light shade, although flowering may be reduced. This plant is not fussy about soil type — it performs well in well-drained soils, including sandy, loamy, and even clay-based substrates, provided excess water doesn’t accumulate around the roots.
Fully hardy down to -15°C (5°F), Campsis radicans ‘Judy’ is well suited to most UK regions. To protect the plant and encourage vigorous regrowth in spring, choose a sheltered planting site — ideally against a south- or west-facing wall, where it can bask in the warmth and benefit from reflected heat.
How to Plant and Establish ‘Judy’ for Long-Term Success
For successful establishment, plant ‘Judy’ in early spring or autumn when conditions are mild. Dig a planting hole at least twice the width of the rootball and enrich the soil with well-rotted manure or compost to improve structure and fertility. Position the plant at the same depth it was growing in its pot, backfill carefully, and water thoroughly.
Because ‘Judy’ is a natural climber, provide a robust support structure from the outset — trellises, pergolas, fences, or masonry walls are all ideal. Secure young stems with soft garden ties to guide their direction during the early growth. Water regularly during the first growing season, especially during dry spells. Once established, the plant develops moderate drought tolerance, although occasional deep watering enhances growth and flowering.
Apply a generous mulch each spring to suppress weeds, conserve soil moisture, and deliver slow-release nutrients.
Training and Pruning Campsis radicans ‘Judy’ for Best Results
As a self-clinging climber, Campsis radicans ‘Judy’ uses aerial roots to anchor itself to vertical surfaces, making it excellent for covering structures quickly and with minimal intervention. For a tidy and well-balanced appearance, provide directional guidance using soft ties or clips during the plant’s early development.
Pruning is essential to control size and encourage flowering. Conduct annual pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth resumes. Cut back lateral shoots to two or three buds from the main framework to promote compact, flower-rich growth. Remove dead, weak, or congested stems to improve airflow and reduce disease risk. With some seasonal maintenance, ‘Judy’ will maintain a tidy form and reward you with reliable summer colour year after year.
Managing Vigour: Preventing Unwanted Spread
Like its parent species, ‘Judy’ is a vigorous grower and can become unruly if left unmanaged. To maintain control and prevent invasive behaviour, incorporate regular pruning into your care routine and promptly remove any root suckers or unwanted offshoots. Consider installing underground root barriers in sensitive garden areas to limit lateral spread while allowing the plant to flourish above ground. With thoughtful placement and consistent upkeep, ‘Judy’ will remain a captivating yet manageable feature in your landscape.
Naturally Resilient: Pest and Disease Resistance
Campsis radicans Judy enjoys a reputation as a low-maintenance and pest-resistant climber. It is rarely troubled by common garden pests, although occasional infestations of aphids or scale insects may occur. These can be addressed with insecticidal soap or biological control methods. Good air circulation, achieved through regular pruning and debris-free ground, helps prevent fungal issues such as powdery mildew or leaf spot. Overall, this is a trouble-free plant that offers beauty without demanding constant attention.
Supporting Pollinators and Biodiversity
Beyond its visual appeal, Campsis radicans Judy plays a valuable role in supporting local wildlife. The nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, making it a superb choice for pollinator-friendly planting schemes. The dense foliage also provides cover and nesting sites for garden insects and small birds, contributing to a balanced and lively ecosystem. Choosing ‘Judy’ is not just a visual decision — it’s a sustainable, ecologically sound one.
Garden Design Inspiration: Elevate Your Vertical Spaces
Whether climbing over a rustic arbour, softening a fence, or creating a striking backdrop against brick or stone, Campsis radicans ‘Judy’ brings vertical beauty and warm colour to any garden. It pairs exceptionally well with ornamental grasses, silver-leaved perennials, and evergreen shrubs. Ideal for Mediterranean-inspired gardens, wildlife havens, or mixed borders that need a lift, ‘Judy’ blends function and style with ease.
From Darren’s Patch
There’s something special about how Campsis radicans ‘Judy’ lights up a garden wall in midsummer — those soft apricot blooms seem to glow in the evening light. I’ve grown it up a warm, south-facing brick wall, and it rewards me year after year with a flush of colour just as the rest of the garden starts to fade. It’s not just the flowers I appreciate — the lush, tropical-looking foliage adds body and presence, even when it’s not in bloom. What I love most is how little it asks in return. With some support, an annual prune, and a sunny spot, ‘Judy’ just gets on with the job. It’s also a real hit with pollinators, which makes it even more worthwhile. If you’ve got a bare wall or tired fence that needs a lift, ‘Judy’ could be the perfect answer — beautiful, reliable, and full of life.
Key Points to Remember
- Apricot-Orange Blooms: Elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers from midsummer to autumn.
- Vigorous Climber: Covers vertical spaces quickly, reaching up to 10 metres.
- Hardy & Adaptable: Thrives in a wide range of UK gardens; tolerates sun, shade, and various soils.
- Wildlife-Friendly: Supports pollinators and enhances biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Minimal pest problems and easy seasonal pruning.
- Versatile Design: Perfect for walls, fences, pergolas, and wildlife planting schemes.
If you’re looking for a plant that delivers bold colour, reliable performance, and wildlife value — all with relatively little effort — Campsis radicans ‘Judy’ is a stellar choice. Its warm-hued blooms, lush foliage, and strong climbing habit bring both aesthetic impact and ecological benefit to your garden. Easy to grow, rewarding to maintain, and stunning throughout the summer months, this trumpet vine cultivar is a standout performer in any outdoor space.
Add Campsis radicans ‘Judy’ to your garden and watch it transform vertical surfaces into living tapestries of colour, life, and seasonal vibrancy.
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 Stromboli here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Campsis ‘Judy’ differ from the standard variety?
A: ‘Judy’ produces striking salmon-pink flowers instead of the typical orange-red blooms. The flowers appear slightly larger than the species, and the plant shows a more compact growth habit.
Q: What height does Campsis ‘Judy’ reach?
A: This cultivar typically grows to 6-10 metres (20-33 feet), making it slightly smaller than the species. The more manageable size suits modern gardens and smaller spaces.
Q: When can I expect flowers?
A: ‘Judy’ blooms from late summer through autumn, usually from July to September. The flowering period often extends longer in warm, sheltered locations with good sun exposure.
Q: What growing conditions does ‘Judy’ need?
A: Plant in a warm, sheltered spot in full sun. South-facing walls provide ideal conditions, offering both warmth and protection. Good drainage helps prevent winter root damage.
Q: How hardy is Campsis ‘Judy’?
A: This cultivar withstands temperatures below -15°C (5°F). However, it performs best in warmer UK regions where summer temperatures promote better flowering.
Q: Does it need regular pruning?
A: Prune in early spring before new growth appears. Cut back side shoots to 2-3 buds from the main stems. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Q: What type of support works best?
A: Install strong wires or trellis before planting. While ‘Judy’ produces aerial roots for climbing, additional support helps manage the plant’s weight and direction.
Q: Will it grow in containers?
A: Yes, ‘Judy’ adapts well to container growing. Choose large pots with good drainage holes and use quality compost. Regular watering and feeding become essential.
Q: How often should I water and feed?
A: Water regularly during the growing season, especially in containers. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring and summer to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Q: Are there any common problems?
A: Watch for late spring frosts, which might damage new growth. Protect young plants in their first few seasons. Remove any unwanted root suckers promptly to prevent spreading.