Denny's Soapbox

Clinging Vines and Vines that Need Support

Vines hold a very special place in a well-designed landscape. I say “well designed” because some homeowners who design their own landscapes are either fearful of vines or just simply don’t understand them. Many might not even know about them. Well, I’m going to break the ice between you and vines.

Different vines have different ways of clinging. Some vines have their own methods for attaching themselves to a structure; others need assistance to remain upright. In this article, I will explain what each vine needs or doesn’t need to stay upright. Vines do not grow vertically into thin air. Whether a vine is self-clinging or not, a structure is needed. That structure could be the side of your house, a wooden or plastic trellis, or an arbor. It could be soft jute twine attached to something at both ends. It could even be a chain-link fence that you know could use some landscape help.

Most vines will make a ground cover if they are not furnished with support. When some plants can’t stand up, they lie down and, in the case of vines, they cover the ground. Unsupported vines will continue to grow in a very horizontal way. There may be situations in which you would prefer to have a vine grow as a ground cover.

You are the boss. Control the height and spread of vines by pruning. Do that pruning anytime a particular vine starts growing out of the boundaries you have given it. Remember, annual vines die in late fall. Cut back all of their old growth to the ground whenever you’re in the mood.

Never plant self-attaching vines to painted wood or the siding on your home. These vines hold moisture and can cause quick deterioration of painted wood; they can cause permanent stains on siding. If the wall is brick, stone, or stucco, go ahead and plant the vines. They haven’t ruined a brick home in England in 400 years and will not damage your mortar joints either.

Vines that Self Cling

Boston Ivy – Great for covering an ugly stucco wall. Glossy green leaves that turn crimson red in the fall. Leaves drop allowing the winter sun to warm that side of the home. Watch the Chicago Cubs on TV and you’ll see it covering their outfield walls.

Climbing Hydrangea – glossy leaves that drop in the fall. Great blooms in June to early July. Grows best in semi-shaded area of your landscape. Interesting bark appearance in the winter.

Virginia Creeper – Very similar to Boson Ivy. Often confused as poison ivy, this fast growing vine is not noted for its flowers, but it’s beautiful fall color.

Moon Flower and Morning Glory – I mention these together as they should be planted together. Both are annuals and both are in the same family. Plant the seed from both in late spring. Moon vine has cream colored flowers in late June till August. Morning Glory blooms blue or pink flowers from August through September. Great vines that self attach on chain link fence.

Vines that Need Help Clinging

Clematis – A beautiful flowering vine that, by variety, blooms different colors at different times of spring and summer. Before purchasing, be sure to find out when the variety you select blooms. Choose a location with partial to a full day of sun.

Wisteria – As a vine it needs a very strong structure to support it. Lavender flowers in April to May. A new variety is available this year and grows more like a shrub. Wisteria ‘Amethyst Falls’ blooms large lavender flowers and blooms 3 times a season on it’s new growth. A bush form that grows 5 ft. high and wide.

Vines, in addition to their natural beauty and space saving in your landscape, can be a wonderful energy saver. When planted in lots of sun, vines that drop their leaves in the fall can provide shade during the hot weather while allowing that same sun to help warm the house in the winter.