of clinging vines are English Ivy, Climbing Hydrangea, Virginia Creeper, and Trumpet or Hummingbird vine. These could be troublesome if allowed free reign as they could start poking themselves into crevices and completely overwhelm some buildings until there is no finding the door anymore. Don't think this an exaggeration! The Big green monster in Wrigley field where baseballs go to die started out as a few ivy plants and is now 4 feet thick. There's even a rumor a few players are still lost in there. Yes, vines can be scary if you let them on their own, so don't let them!

Tendrils

These thin extensions along leaves and stems wrap around anything that gets within their grasp. As they are rather small, only wire, string, or the thin stems of other plants will be useful for these to climb. This type of vine is perfect for covering the chain link fence or any trellis made with slender cross pieces no more than an inch in diameter. Examples of vines with tendrils are Grape, Passion Flower, Clematis, Sweet Pea and Cup-and-Saucer.

The Accidental Traveler

This is the vine with no visible means of support but their stems are long and flexible giving them the ability, if conditions are right and they are planted within easy reach of other plants which can help them along. The climbing rose is the best example of the Accidental Traveler because it has thorns which can hook onto a tree or shrub and simply go for the ride. The gardener in important for this type of vine as he will likely have to tie the climber to a fence post, trellis, or other garden structure to keep it off the ground. Others in this group are Bougainvillea and Winter Creeper (Euonymus fortunei radicans).

It should be easy to see which method each vine uses to climb. If not, the gardener should ask a knowledgeable person as each vine does better with a specific support system. Another question to consider about your vine before planting it is how vigorous a grower it is. Most vines are notorious for growing like demons, but they can be tamed. Again this is a query for the experience gardener.

Wisteria, Hummingbird vine, Honeysuckle, and Virginia Creeper are all thought to be quite aggressive but are easily contained with a bit of pruning and when planted in the right spot. This would be where they won't be a bother to you, such as away from other plants which the vine might use to climb on and become tangled and a nuisance. Planting the very aggressive vine with strong supports will enable it to grow to its heart's content and still give you enough control over it so it remains a good addition to your landscape.

The prefect vine is waiting for you, and now that you know all this, it should be easy for you to find. All you need do is some asking of those garden buddies who have already grown some. They'll tell you the scoop and then you will have the addition of a beautiful vine in your garden. Nothing better than that.

Learn more about this author, Glory Lennon.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

---

Add your voice

Know something about Planting tips for vines and climbing plants?
We want to hear your view. Write now!