Campsis 'Madame Galen' - Flowering Climber - 11 cm Pot - Height 40 cm - Pack of 2

Yes, the Madame Galen trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is a hardy climber that spends the winter in the ground in almost all regions of France. Once well established, it can generally withstand temperatures down to -15°C, covering most climate zones in mainland France, including the north and east of the country. In the event of severe frost, the foliage and surface stems may suffer, but the rootstock survives and grows back vigorously in spring.

Madame Galen's trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is a large-scale climber: it can reach a height of 3 to 10 meters at maturity depending on growing conditions, particularly exposure, soil type, and water availability. Its growth is rapid, particularly from the second or third year once well established. It is therefore perfectly suited for covering large walls, spacious pergolas, or long fences. Provide a sturdy support from planting, as the plant can weigh several dozen kilograms at maturity.

The Madame Galen trumpet creeper produces its first flowers in July and its flowering continues until'September, sometimes until'the first cool spells of'October depending on the local climate. It'is a climber with a long and generous summer flowering, making it'one of the few climbers to offer a colorful display in the height of'summer, when many'other plants have finished flowering. The bright orange tubular flowers, grouped in terminal clusters, follow one after another throughout this period. Full sun exposure is the main condition to obtain an abundant and continuous flowering.

To plant the Madame Galen trumpet creeper against a wall, choose a south or southwest exposure, where the sun is most abundant. Dig a wide and deep hole of d'about 50 cm, incorporate mature compost to enrich and lighten the soil. Plant the roots about thirty centimeters from the wall to avoid the dry zone at the base of the masonry, then guide the stems towards the support with the help of'a'trellis or taut wires. The trumpet creeper'clings by root crampons, but manual guidance during the first few seasons improves coverage.

Yes, the Madame Galen trumpet creeper is a particularly attractive plant for pollinators, especially bees and bumblebees, which are drawn to the tubular shape and bright orange color of its flowers. Butterflies also regularly visit its flower clusters throughout the 'summer. In some regions, hummingbirds are known to feed on the nectar of Campsis, although 'they are absent in France. Planting the Madame Galen trumpet creeper in a garden thus promotes local biodiversity and supports pollinating insects during a summer period when food sources become scarce for them.

Yes, annual pruning of the Madame Galen trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is recommended, if not essential, to control the vigor of this climber and ensure generous flowering. The best time is late winter, between February and March, just before the growing season begins. Simply shorten the previous year's side shoots to two or three buds from their base, which stimulates the production of new flowering shoots. Without pruning, the trumpet vine tends to become bare at the base and only flower higher up.

Pot-growing the Madame Galen trumpet creeper is possible but remains tricky over time, as it 'is a'very vigorous climber whose root system needs 'space. If you still wish to grow it in a container on a sunny terrace or balcony, choose a large container (minimum 50 litres) filled 'with a well-draining, fertile potting mix, and install a sturdy support. Watering will need to be frequent in summer because pots dry out quickly.