With so many vines to consider, one must fit your needs
Vines can solve many landscape problems. You want more privacy but don't have much space. You love your new arbor or trellis but it seems a little sterile. You have an ugly fence or shed that you can't afford to replace. You want to soften the edges of a wall or doorway. Or you need to cover a bare patch of ground quickly to slow erosion.
Any of these problems sound familiar? Vines may be the answer. The best reason to choose a perennial vine over an annual one is that it will return reliably year and year.
Perennial vines are usually woody plants that either climb or trail. Climbing vines need a sturdy structure to support them. The type of structure required depends of which method the vine uses to climb. Some climb by winding their stems around another object; others attach root-like holdfasts to their support. Still others have tendrils that can wrap around a slender pole or stake.
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 long. Pruning in early spring will control their size. They are very easy to grow - just give them lots of sunshine. Glossy green leaflets showcase the large, trumpet-shaped flowers in late summer. Long pods develop as flowers fade, ripen in fall and burst open scattering lots of seeds. The variety, Flava, has yellow flowers; Flameco boasts red blooms; and Madame Galan provides a nonstop display of dark orange flowers.
American Bittersweet vine (Celastrus scandens) is most glorious in the fall when the deep yellow skin of its berries open to reveal the bright orange held within. Beautiful yellow foliage also contributes to the 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 is a dioecious vine, meaning it needs 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 their branches.
Clematis vines are the royals of vines. Most of them need at least six 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) 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 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, but it's 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.
A close relative, Virginia creeper vine (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is also a vigorous grower that can grow up to 50 feet long. Clusters of insignificant greenish flowers turn to small dark blue berries that are a favorite of birds in fall.
With so many perennial vines to choose from, there is sure to be one with the characteristics you need to solve your landscape problem.
•Diana Stoll is a horticulturist and the retail manager at The Planter's Palette, 28W571 Roosevelt Road, Winfield. Call (630) 293-1040 or visit online at planterspalette.com.