O, Grow Up!
Even when space is at a premium in a landscape, on occasion the gardener still has a desire to add more beauty. Alternatively, something is just needed to add depth to the space. Perhaps a space needs shielded for privacy, or there is a need to disguise an unsightly view or shade a nook for relaxing. Look no further than the fine array of spectacular vines.
The first item to consider is the structure a vine will need for climbing. Not all vines climb by the same means. Some twine, physically wrapping their stems around a support. In this case, poles, arbors, chain link fences, or trellises are a good choice. Wisteria, trumpet vine, and honeysuckle fall into this category. Some vines use tendrils to wrap around support. Grape and clematis are classic examples of this type of plant. In this case, a chain link fence, light lattice (for the smaller plants) and wire are good supports. Some plants use small adhesive discs to attach to pretty much any surface. Virginia creeper and English Ivy are two examples. Investigate the specific plant in question to see how it grows before deciding on a structure.
A second question to consider is whether or not to allow a vine to grow on a building. If the building has good and sound masonry, brick, or stone with no loose joints, and the vine is pruned prudently, the building should not sustain damage. However, wood siding and stucco are more susceptible to damage. A more suitable solution is to install a trellis or support 4–6 inches away from the building for the vine to grow.
Some vines are described as “vigorous”: a polite way of saying aggressive and not suitable for smaller spaces. Although beautiful, they can be brutes and hard to control as they spread by suckers throughout the landscape. Trumpet vine and hops fall into this category. They are stunningly beautiful, but notoriously hard to remove once they get a grip on the landscape.
If you don’t want to deal with a perennial vine, but want something that will grow in one season and be gone, there are some excellent selections. Most of these will grow up to 30 feet in a season and attach by twining or tendrils. They are tender, so should not be planted until danger of frost has passed. Try Morning glory (Ipomoea Tricolor) or its relative, Moonflower (Ipomoea alba), Scarlett Runner Bean (Phaseolus coccineus), or Hyacinth bean (Dolichos lablab) for superb results.
Many perennial vines will require more substantial supports and annual pruning. Clematis (Clematis sp.), in many varieties, is quite well behaved and easy to care for. Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala) is grown for the stunning foliage and flowers. Kentucky Wisteria (Wisteria macrostachya) needs substantial support, but is less aggressive than some other wisteria. Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) offers fragrant flowers, attractive foliage and berries. However, avoid Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) because of its invasive nature. The classic English Ivy (Hedera helix) benefits from regular pruning and can be aggressive if not handled properly. Lastly, Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a native plant that will scramble up pretty much any surface.
When reviewing the landscape this spring, consider growing up!
Carol Shirk
Certified Master Gardener