Red Trumpet Vine
Distictis buccinatoria
Red Trumpet Vine
Distictis buccinatoria
Native to Mexico, Distictis buccinatoria, commonly known as Blood Red Trumpet Vine, is a vigorous, fast growing vine known for its bold, tropical look and striking flowers. It brings a lot of energy to the landscape, especially when in full bloom.
The standout feature is its clusters of bright red, trumpet shaped flowers that appear from late spring through fall. The blooms are large, showy, and highly attractive to hummingbirds, making this a great choice if you want to bring more wildlife into the garden.
It has a twining growth habit and quickly climbs trellises, fences, pergolas, or walls, making it ideal for covering vertical spaces. Given the right support, it can create a lush, flowering screen in a relatively short amount of time.
This vine does best in full sun, where it will flower most heavily, though it can tolerate light shade. It prefers well drained soil and benefits from regular watering during establishment. Once mature, it is fairly drought tolerant but will perform best with occasional deep watering.
It can grow quite large, often reaching 20 to 30 feet or more depending on conditions and support. It is well suited for USDA zones 8 through 11 and is hardy down to around 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The foliage is evergreen in mild climates, though it may drop leaves briefly in cooler conditions. It's recognized as one of the most vibrant vines here in Southern California.
This plant has some toxicity and may cause irritation or illness if ingested, so it is best to plant with care around pets and children.
The flowers attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees.
It is generally deer resistant and typically avoided by rabbits once established.
Blood Red Trumpet Vine fits especially well into tropical, Mediterranean, and lush garden designs, where it can be used to create bold vertical interest and vibrant seasonal color.
With its fast growth, vivid blooms, and ability to cover space quickly, this is a great option when you want to make a strong visual impact in the garden.
Proper planting technique will help your plants thrive! Follow these simple steps to help your plants establish quickly, develop a strong root system, and live longer:
- Properly dig the hole
- Amend the soil to suit each particular plant
- Place the plant and backfill the soil
- Provide ample water for each particular plant
- Review our how to plant guide!
For detailed information, please download our planting guides: