If you want to see your trumpet vine reach its full, show-stopping potential, you’ve got to get comfortable with your pruning shears. Pruning isn’t just about keeping the plant tidy; it’s the secret to encouraging vigorous growth and ensuring those iconic trumpet-shaped flowers pop up on new shoots. Here’s the lowdown on how to prune your vine like a pro.
Timing and Technique: When to Cut
Trumpet vines only bloom on new growth. Because of this, you’ll want to give yours a good trim right after winter wraps up. Don’t be afraid to be a little aggressive—the more you cut back those side shoots, the more vigorously the plant will bounce back. March is usually the sweet spot, provided the ground isn’t frozen. If you’re growing your trumpet vine in a container, this is also the perfect time to repot it if it’s outgrowing its home.
How to prune your trumpet vine:
- Completely remove any weak, spindly, or thinning branches.
- Cut back overly long shoots to about four “eyes” (buds).
- Trim all lateral shoots (the ones growing off the main stems) back to four buds.
- Keep in mind: If you cut the entire plant all the way down to the ground, you likely won’t see any flowers this season.
Skip the electric hedge trimmers for this job. You’ll want a sharp pair of bypass hand pruners for clean cuts. Make sure they’re clean before you start to prevent spreading any plant diseases. Also, grab a pair of sturdy gardening gloves before you dive in! Aim for a dry day to do your pruning, and definitely avoid days when temperatures are dipping below freezing.
Post-Pruning Care
Once you’ve finished pruning, it’s time to give your vine a little nutritional boost. The right fertilizer will help jumpstart that fresh spring growth. I always recommend going the natural route—spreading some good old-fashioned compost around the base of the plant works wonders. One pro tip: avoid fertilizers that are super high in nitrogen. While nitrogen is great for leaves, too much of it will give you a giant green bush with zero flowers!
