Vines: Those Weaving, Twisting, Wonderful Garden Additions

We tend to always think of the flat areas in our garden, planting groundcovers and arranging flowers on the horizontal. But the upright is there too...

Clematis scottii
Item # 37163 		Clematis scottii
Sugarbowl Clematis

each $6.99
3 or more $6.79
  • Topic: Vines
  • Author: Cindy Bellinger
  • Keywords: vines, vining, porch railings, poles, posts, trellises, screening
  • Date: July 2006

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We tend to always think of the flat areas in our garden, planting groundcovers and arranging flowers on the horizontal. But the upright is there too—on porch railings, poles, posts, trellises, archways, anything that says up—anything that a vine will climb.

The effect of vines is all about adding dimension to a garden. Areas draped with vines seem more defined. Flexible and long limbed, vines are very adept and can be easily trained.

Last summer I got on a Darwin kick, reading biographies and parts of his works. In observing vines, he wondered if they had little eyes in them. And you’d think so, considering how quickly they attach their little wisps to whatever is around. Take a dangling tendril and place it here or there and it’ll be happy, pleased for some direction

Vines are excellent for screening unwanted views. They’re also a quick way to shade a patio. Some like full sun, others like partial shade. Some are evergreen, others deciduous. Following are a few vines that like our Southwest conditions:

  • Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), zone 4
  • Clematis, many varieties, zones 3-5
  • Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), zone 4
  • English ivy (Hedera helix), zone 5
  • Thorndale English ivy, zone 4
  • Grapes, many varieties, zones 3-6
  • Pink Lemonade Honeysuckle (Lonicera heckrotti), zone 4
  • Hall’s Japanese Honeysuckle, zones 4-11
  • Silver Lace, (Fallopia aubertii), 40’, zones 4-8
  • Silver Lace (Polygonum aubertii), zone 4
  • Silk Vine (Periploca graeca), zone 5
  • Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans), zone 4
  • Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), zones 4-9
  • Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis), zone 4
  • Japanese Honeysuckle Zones 4-9

When it comes to honeysuckle, clematis and trumpet vine, the varieties are many. Climbing roses are also another choice for vines. One suggestion is the Graham Thomas rose. Other vines with a reputation for “going crazy” in the hot sun are hops. They also make a good windbreak.

Planting vines:

Vines need to creep and climb. Our garden center has several
kinds of trellises in redwood, plastic, metal and bamboo.

To prepare the soil dig a hole about twice as deep and twice as
wide as the pot. For heavy clay, fill the bottom with a
layer of small rocks or gravel to provide good drainage. Add a
bucket of good compost, mixed with soil.

Before planting, water thoroughly so the soil can absorb the
water. Remove the plant from the pot and gently loosen the roots,
then set the plant in the hole. Lightly pack the soil around the
plant. Water; then top with about two inches of mulch.

Because vines grow so quickly—and leaf out in the summer—once they are established, you can almost watch them grab for places to hook onto. They are a treat to any garden.