By Robert R. Westerfield
University of
Georgia
Vines are among the most versatile plants in the landscape. They
can screen unsightly views, provide privacy on patios, lend
character to solid walls, break up the monotony of long fences,
accent or soften architectural details or cover the ground where
either you don’t want turf grass or it won’t grow.
Landscape architects sometime use vines on trees to provide a new
dimension to the tree canopy. An oak tree bearing the bright
orange flowers of cross vine, for instance, is sure to be a
conversation piece.
Some vines, like Bougainvillea or Allamanda, are excellent for
use in patio pots or hanging baskets. Moonvine adds a wonderful
fragrance with an evening bloom.
Honeysuckle and trumpet creeper are prized for their flowers,
while other vines, such as five-leaf Akebia, climbing fig and
ivy, are grown for their foliage. Wisteria is sometimes trained
as a single-standing specimen or small tree.
What to look for
When selecting vines, consider a number of factors, including
their intended use, landscape location (sun or shade, for
instance), soil adaptability, support structure needed and color
of bloom or foliage.
Think about the maintenance requirement, too. Will it need
constant pruning to keep it within bounds?
Certain fast-growing vines, such as wisteria and common
honeysuckle, can cover trees and shrubs unless you do a lot of
routine pruning. Some can injure or kill small trees by wrapping
around them and cutting off nutrient flow. Others, like
autumn-flowering clematis, will disperse their seeds after
flowering and pop up where they’re not wanted.
Annual vines are grown from seed
each year. Among them are moonvine (Ipomoea alba),
black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia alata), sweet pea
(Lathyrus odorata), purple hyacinth bean (Doliches
lablab) and morning glory (Ipomoea spp.).
Perennial vines persist from year
to year. The foliage may die back in winter and resprout in
spring. Among the favorites are trumpet creeper (Campsis
spp.), Carolina yellow jessamine (Gelsemium
sempervirens), wisteria (Wisteria spp.) and clematis
(Clematis hybrida).
Consider the amount of training a vine requires, too. Some cling
and climb naturally, while others must be trained to follow the
supporting wire, pole or other structure.
Most vines, except those grown as ground covers or in pots,
require some type of support to grow. Climbing vines come in
three types: clinging, twining and winding.
Clinging vines grasp a rough
surface with rootlets or adhesive disks. Climbing fig (Ficus
pumila), English ivy (Hedera helix), confederate
jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), Virginia creeper
(Pathenocissus quinquefolia) and trumpet creeper
(Campsis radicans) are examples.
These vines can cover solid surfaces such as walls and fences.
However, they may loosen mortar between bricks over time and are
hard to remove once they become anchored.
They can damage wood, too, by clinging too closely, preventing
good air circulation and promoting wood decay. So, clinging vines
are best suited for trellises or arbors away from solid surfaces.
Twining vines climb by encircling
upright supports such as poles, wires and lattices. They require
mechanical training to follow a support. Examples are Mandevilla
(Mandevilla splendens), wisteria (Wisteria
sinensis), Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens)
and morning glory.
Winding vines climb with tendrils:
slim, flexible, leafless stems that wrap around anything they
contact. One of the best-known examples is the muscadine grape.
Ornamental examples include maypop (Passiflora spp.),
trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), clematis
(Clematis hybrida) and cross vine (Bignonia
capreolata).
Twining and winding vines are supported best on wires, lattice,
trellises and arbors. Make supports from sturdy, durable
materials.
Always use treated lumber for outdoor structures. Redwood, cedar
and cypress are particularly durable. A wood preservative/water
seal will prolong the life of the structure. Wrought iron makes
an excellent support, too. Aluminum or copper wire won’t rust.
(Bob Westerfield is an Extension Service consumer
horticulturist with the University of Georgia College of
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.)
