Campsis radicans ‘Judy’ — Trumpet Vine Seeds
Bold, joyful, and humming with life, Campsis radicans ‘Judy’ is a standout selection of the beloved native Trumpet Vine, cherished for its luminous flowers and unstoppable garden presence. This cultivar brings together the wild spirit of North American landscapes with refined ornamental beauty, creating a vine that feels both historic and exuberantly alive.
Trumpet vine has deep cultural roots in the eastern and southeastern United States, where it has long been admired for its ability to cloak fences, trees, and old homesteads in cascades of fiery blooms. In many regions, it became a symbol of hospitality and welcome, its trumpet-shaped flowers acting as living beacons for hummingbirds and pollinators. The cultivar ‘Judy’ is celebrated for its especially vibrant flowering and reliable performance.
Blooms, Habit & Hardiness
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Bloom Color: Rich orange to orange-red with golden throats
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Bloom Form: Large, flared trumpet-shaped flowers borne in showy clusters
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Fragrance: Not fragrant
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USDA Hardiness Zones: Zones 4–9
Campsis radicans ‘Judy’ is a fast-growing, woody perennial vine capable of reaching 25–40 feet with support. It clings by aerial rootlets, making it ideal for arbors, pergolas, fences, and sturdy walls. Blooming from early summer into fall, it delivers months of color when many vines are resting.
Wildlife & Ecological Value
This plant is a true wildlife powerhouse:
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Hummingbirds are irresistibly drawn to the nectar-rich, tubular flowers and are the primary pollinators.
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Bees and other beneficial insects regularly visit the blooms.
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Butterflies and moths benefit indirectly from nectar resources.
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Larval Host Plant: Campsis radicans serves as a larval host for several sphinx moths, including the Plebeian Sphinx and Hummingbird Clearwing moth, whose caterpillars feed on the foliage.
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Dense growth can provide shelter for birds and beneficial insects.
Planting ‘Judy’ supports local ecosystems while creating a dynamic, living display.
Interesting Facts
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Campsis radicans is one of the few woody vines native to North America with true aerial rootlets.
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The genus name Campsis comes from a Greek word meaning “to bend,” referring to the curved stamens inside the flower.
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Trumpet vines are known for their remarkable heat and drought tolerance once established.
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The vivid flower color evolved specifically to attract hummingbirds, which see red and orange hues especially well.
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This vine has been cultivated in American gardens since colonial times, often planted near porches and outbuildings.
Germination Instructions for Campsis radicans ‘Judy’ Seeds
Trumpet vine seeds are easy to germinate with simple preparation.
Seed Preparation
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Cold stratification is recommended for best results.
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Place seeds in a moist medium (such as damp sand or paper towel) and refrigerate for 30–60 days.
Sowing
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Use a well-draining seed-starting mix.
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Sow seeds ¼ inch deep, gently covering with soil.
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Space seeds about 1 inch apart.
Germination Conditions
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Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
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Light: Bright light; light exposure helps germination
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Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist, not waterlogged
Germination typically occurs within 2–4 weeks after stratification.
After Germination
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Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they develop true leaves.
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Provide bright light and regular watering.
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Gradually harden off before planting outdoors.
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Young vines benefit from early support to guide growth.
With its fiery trumpets, hummingbird appeal, and deep American heritage, Campsis radicans ‘Judy’ is more than a vine—it’s a celebration of motion, sound, and summer energy woven straight into your landscape.