Flowering vines make a beautiful addition to the yard

Perennial vines are the solution to many landscape challenges. They provide privacy using very little space, soften the corners of walls, hide ugly fences and unsightly sheds, and quickly cover the garden floor or slopes to reduce erosion.

Unlike their annual cousins, perennial vines are woody plants that either climb or trail. They need a sturdy structure to support them. The type of structure required depends on which method the vine uses to climb. Some wind their stems around their support; some attach root-like holdfasts to journey upward; and others have tendrils that wrap around slender poles or stakes.

Dutchman's Pipe vine (Aristolochia macrophylla) twines its way quickly to 20 to 30 feet long in full shade to full sun. It is deciduous, dropping its large heart or kidney-shaped leaves in the fall. Its flowers, shaped like little pipes, are often hidden beneath the foliage in summer. They attract insects with an unpleasant scent so don't plant this vine close to an area where you spend time relaxing or entertaining.

Trumpet vines (Campsis radicans) are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. They attach themselves to their hosts by rootlets that support them as they reach up to 40 feet. Pruning in early spring will control their size. They are very easy to grow - just give them lots of sunshine. Glossy green leaflets showcase large, trumpet-shaped flowers in late summer. Long pods develop as flowers fade, ripen in fall and burst open scattering lots of seeds.

American Bittersweet vine (Celastrus scandens) is most glorious in the fall when the deep yellow skin of its berries opens to reveal the bright orange held within. Beautiful yellow foliage also contributes to an autumnal show. Grow this twining vine in full sun to part shade in just about any type of soil and it will grow up to 20 feet long. American bittersweet vine needs both a male and female plant for berry production.

If you are purchasing a bittersweet vine, make sure you choose an American instead of Oriental bittersweet vine. Oriental bittersweet vine is invasive and has the ability to strangle large trees as it winds tightly around branches.

Clematis vines are the royals of vines. Most of them need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, but would delight in some protection from the hot afternoon sun. Keep their roots cool by applying a thick layer of mulch or planting some lower-growing plants around them. Jackmanii is probably the most widely planted variety. Its large, purple flowers adorn the 10 to 12 foot vine for a couple months in summer.

A contrast in almost every way, Sweet Autumn clematis is not the least bit shy towering over its cousin by at least 20 feet. Much smaller but very fragrant, white flowers cover the vine in late summer to early fall.

Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris) vine is No. 1 on my list. The foliage is beautiful all summer long with bright yellow fall color; the bark of older vines turns a lovely cinnamon color and begins to peel; and magnificent white clusters of flowers shine in the shade garden in summer. Plant climbing hydrangea vines in part shade with plenty of support where it can grow as long as 50 feet. It climbs by clinging to its host with holdfasts. Mine is climbing up a maple tree. Climbing hydrangea takes a while to get established - it is worth the wait!

Goldflame Honeysuckle vine (Lonicera x heckrotti) is another one of my favorite perennial vines. The pretty pink buds open to expose creamy yellow centers; the petals are edged in pale pink. Hummingbirds love their tubular flowers. Plant honeysuckle vines in full sun to light shade in good garden soil and they'll grow up to 15 feet long.

Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) adorns the walls of Wrigley Field for many reasons. It is tolerant of almost all conditions; its foliage is rich, dark green throughout summer and bright red in the fall; and it grows to 50 feet (sending out tendrils with little adhesive discs) so it covers a lot of ground (or wall). It can be kept smaller if pruned once a year. If you want Boston ivy to cover the side of a building, train it to grow on attached trellises. Otherwise, it could cause damage to the wall if you ever try to remove it.

• Diana Stoll is a horticulturist and the garden center manager at The Planter's Palette, 28W571 Roosevelt Road, Winfield. Call (630) 293-1040, ext. 2, or visit planterspalette.com.