|
Vines - grapevines
If you're considering training
your vines to cover a garden arbor or
trellis, there are a number of
vines you could consider such as trumpet vine (campsis radicans),
wisteria, and the fragrant fall blooming clematis. All of these are
stalwart plants, although it takes them a year or two to become
established and grow and bloom well. The arbor will need to be very
sturdy and strong because vines are heavy and also act as a sail in
windy conditions. (A wisteria may take longer. It is also the heaviest
of the three with age.) Fall is actually a very good time to plant, as
is early spring.
If you don't want to use a
trellis, the vines will need some kind of support so they can twine. You
might consider providing a wire "curtain" or some wooden
stakes with a network of string or wire for the vines to twine around
for support. Once the plants become established they will naturally
drape over the wall, fence or support piece and new growth will attach
itself to old vines. But to get things started, plan to provide at least
some temporary support for the plants. All this work will be rewarded -
you'll be delighted with the results!
Grapevines are relatively easy
to grow. Plant yours in soil you've amended with compost or leaf mold,
in the sunniest place in the yard. Grapevines can be trained on a
trellis or fence, and you can prune it to keep it in bounds if it begins
to sprawl beyond its designated space in the garden. In order to produce
fruit you'll need to train your new grapevine from the very beginning.
Blue Chinese WisteriaBlue Chinese Wisteria, Wisteria sinensis, is a twining, woody vine valued for its pendulous clusters of extremely fragrant violet-blue flowers. Chinese Wisteria is a shade tolerant vine, but it only blooms when grown in partial to full sun. It is perfect for covering patios, arbors or fences. Leaves consist of 7 to 13 leaflets of large size; after flowering, very attractive, velvety pods are produced, containing seed. It is probably best used for training to grow onto an arbor where flowers can droop and form a fragrant ceiling of color.
|
Boston IvyBoston Ivy, Parthenocissus tricuspidata, is also known as Cottage Ivy and Japanese Ivy. This deciduous vine has tendrils which have 5 to 8 branches, each ending in adhesive-like tips; it has the ability to literally cement itself to the wall and therefore needs no support; good on trees, will also crawl along the ground; secretes calcium carbonate which serves as adhesive. Use in full sun to full shade, salt tolerant, handles most all conditions.
|
Dutchmans PipeDutchman's Pipe, Aristolochia durior, is primarily grown for foliage. Dutchman's Pipe is an extremely vigorous vine that is often grown because its large, heart-shaped leaves make an excellent screen. It is used for covering buildings and as a screen for porches. The flowers are shaped like a Meerschaum pipe but are not highly ornamental. This deciduous, perennial plant should be trained on a trellis or arbor to encourage upright growth. The small flowers are a favorite food for pipe vine swallowtail butterfly larvae and will attract birds.
|
Halliana Japanese HoneysuckleJapanese Honeysuckle 'Halliana', Lonicera japonica 'Halliana', is the most commonly seen Honeysuckle and is also known as Hall's Honeysuckle. It has whitish-yellow flowers with a delightful fragrance. Hall's Honeysuckles are a very fast growing plant to 15 to 30 feet. When used as a ground cover, they are about 2 feet tall. Capable of covering huge amounts of space in a short time, this vine makes a great ground cover on banks and slopes for erosion control. Be aware that is can be quite invasive.
|
Purple Wintercreeper EuonymusPurple Wintercreeper Euonymus, Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus', also known as Wintercreeper and Wintercreeper Eunonymus, is a dense, woody-stemmed, broadleaf evergreen plant which comes in a variety of forms. Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus' (commonly called purple wintercreeper euonymus, is primarily a trailing ground cover form which typically grows to 6-9" tall and spreads indefinitely by rooting stems as a sprawling, tangled, bushy mat. It is also used for container plantings, massing and erosion control.
|
Trumpet CreeperThe Trumpet Creeper, Campsis radicans, is a rapid growing, clinging vine that produces orange trumpet shaped flowers in the summer months that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It is also known as the Trumpet Vine and is a tough vine for hot and dry sites. The invasive nature of this plant makes it hard to get rid of but also very hardy. Trumpet Creepers are often grown with multiple trunks. This plant flowers best in a full sun location. The rapid growth makes it an excellent plant for covering fences or arbors.
|
Virginia CreeperThe Virginia Creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, is a fast-growing, high-climbing vine that attaches itself with tendrils which expand, disk-like, on their tips. The deciduous leaves that radiate outward from a leaf stem, like spokes on a wheel. Each leaflet is about 3"-7" long and an inch or two wide. The leaves turn fiery red in fall and are very showy. Where there is nothing to climb, it attaches to the ground with adventitious roots, and makes an excellent cover for slopes or other places where grass is not practical or desired.
|
Wild Fox GrapeThe Wild Fox Grape, Vitis labrusca, is a woody vine which can climb over thirty feet tall. It is also called skunk grape. They have large, three-lobed leaves with teeth on the edges. Wild Grape can be found on streambanks, pond edges, roadsides, and in open woods. The fruit is extremely important to wildlife as well as being a most important grape in the development of North American viticulture. Wild Fox Grapes can be used to make juice, jellies, jams, conserves, and preserves. They can be used in pies and pastries too.
|
Yellow Trumpet CreeperThe Yellow Trumpet Creeper, Campsis radicans 'Flava', is a rapid growing, clinging vine produces yellow trumpet shaped flowers in the summer months that attract hummingbirds. Trumpet Creepers flower best in a full sun location and it is a tough vine for hot and dry sites. The invasive nature of this plant makes it hard to get rid of but also very
hardy. The rapid growth makes training easy and therefore it is excellent for covering fences or arbors. The 'Flava' cultivar is considered by many to be the superior of the species.
|
Glacier IvyThe Glacier Vine, Hedera Helix, also known as English Ivy, is a classic, fan-shaped, silver green English Ivy from the Fall Magic collection. A strong growing, trailing variety that's great for baskets, containers, or as a groundcover.
|
Gold Star IvyThe Gold Star Ivy, Hedera Helix, is a five-lobed, medium sized star shaped/birdfoot leaves with slightly elongated terminal lobes. It has an excellent self-branching habit. Foliage is chartreuse to golden green that darkens to emerald green with age. A terrific variety for baskets, pots and use as a groundcover.
|
Golden Ingot IvyThe Golden Ingot Ivy, Hedera Helix, is a triangle leaf-shaped Ivy that is dainty, elegant, and compact. This Ivy can fill a pot fairly quickly. The variegated leaves feature an overall lemon yellow tone with gray splotches and an emerald green
rim. Named Ivy of the Year for 2003 by the American Ivy Society. It is hardy in cold areas down to minus 20 F. It can be grown in full sun to almost full shade, depending on where you live. It is easy to grow, moderately self-branching and not invasive.
|
Melanie IvyThe Melanie Ivy, Hedera Helix, has curls galore, and narrow maroon veins. A striking plant that can hold its own or add impact to combos, window boxes, and color bowls. Ivies are hardy, clinging, climbing plants, ideal for growing up walls, over tree stumps or for ground cover. They can be grown in pots, hanging baskets, window boxes and used as houseplants. Hederas are one of the most useful group of plants for the garden that we have. The wide range of varieties now available give colour and form all the year round.
|
Five Leaf AkebiaThe Chocolate Vine, 'Akebia quinata', will grow to the size of its support structure, sometimes growing up to 40’ tall. This twining woody vine can also be used as a groundcover and should be planted in full sun. The stems are divided into five, or sometimes fewer, and the small stems meet in a central zone. Akebia is deciduous in cool climates and remain evergreen in warmer regions. Because it is a rapid grower, one will need to cut back Akebia throughout the season and to the ground at the end of the summer. Plant this vine in optimal soil texture for best results.
|
Variegated Mountain FleeceThe Fallopia, 'Fallopia japonica 'Variegata', is an very colorful clump perennial that is excellent for brightening up a shady corner. The new spring leaves are variegated pink and white. As the leaves mature
they turn a marbled white and green with pink hilights and red stems. To maintain form, this plant should be pruned back extensively every spring. The Fallopia will reach a mature height of about 4 feet and they will spread and make larger clumps each year, hence, the need for pruning if you want to confine this plant in a smaller area.
|
Passion FlowerThe Blue Passion Flower, 'Passiflora caerulea 'Passion Flower', also known as Blue Crown Passion Flower, is an extremely fast growing hardy Passion Flower that produces egg shaped orange fruits. The flowers are ornate, multi-colored, and have a minty scent. The fruit may be eaten fresh or used in teas. In warm climates the Passion Flower will grow and bloom throughout the year. They are easy to grow in containers, but support may need to be provided. This
plant is attractive to butterflies, bees, and birds.
|
Lemon Lace VineThe Lemon Lace Vine, 'Polygonum', is one of the fastest growing vines. It can climb up to 25’ and has small, creamy white flowers that cluster the golden foliage. The flowers can bloom twice, in late spring and early fall and are very fragrant. ‘Silver Lemon Vine’ should not be planted where it can intermingle with other plants, for it can be extremely invasive. Plant this hardy vine in full sun and in a moist to well drained soil. Growing from 25-35’, ‘Silver Lemon Vine’ is a winner all around.
|
Midas Touch IvyThe Midas Touch Ivy, Hedera Helix, is a heart-shaped, three-lobed Ivy with spectacular gold splashed leaves. Here's a strong grower for mixed baskets or a container program. The American Ivy Society's Ivy of the Year for 2002.They can be grown in pots, hanging baskets, window boxes and used as houseplants. Hederas are one of the most useful group of plants for the garden that we have. The wide range of varieties now available give colour and form all the year round.
|
Mini Ester IvyThe Mini Ester Ivy, Hedera Helix, is a slow growing but very bright colored variety. Its tiny, three-lobed leaves are bright white with gray green centers. A great basket, pot or groundcover
treat. Hederas are one of the most useful group of plants for the garden that we have. The wide range of varieties now available give colour and form all the year round.
|
Riterkreuz IvyThe Riterkreuz Ivy, Hedera Helix, is a fairly vigorous Ivy with a trailing, self-branching habit. The small, glossy, dark green leaves have five-to-seven pointed lobes, often with little side branches that resemble a Maltese
cross. Hederas are one of the most useful group of plants for the garden that we have. The wide range of varieties now available give colour and form all the year round.
|
Yellow Ripple IvyThe Yellow Ripple Ivy, Hedera Helix, is a slower growing, prostrate variety with zig-zag stems.It has medium large, three- to five- lobed leaves, with each lobe drawn to a long, tapered point. The creamy yellow margins contrast with gray green
centers. Hederas are one of the most useful group of plants for the garden that we have. The wide range of varieties now available give colour and form all the year round.
|
English IvyThe English Ivy, Hedera helix, is a classic, fan-shaped, silver green English Ivy from the Fall Magic collection. English Ivy is a strong growing, trailing variety that's great for baskets, containers, or as a groundcover. The dense growth and abundant leaves form a thick canopy just above the ground, and prevent sunlight from reaching other plants. It is widely used by
homeowners, horticulturists, landscape contractors and others desiring a fast growing, low
maintenance, evergreen cover.
|
Duckfoot IvyThe Duckfoot Vine, Hedera Helix, has small, matt, olive green, rounded, fan shaped leaves that look just like little duck feet. Duckfoots have fast growing short internodes and a good self branching
habit. A nicely trailing variety that's especially good in baskets. Other uses are for groundcover indoors and terrariums.
|
|
