Plants That Hide Outdoor Structures

Ivy

• Ivy is a woody, evergreen climbing plant, of which there are several species. One of the most common species of ivy in the United States is English ivy (hedera helix), which is native to Africa, western Asia and Europe. According to the U.S. National Park Service, early European immigrants were likely the first to introduce the plant into North America, and grew it for its decorative appeal. English ivy is characterized by having dark green leaves with white veins, which are segmented into three to five lobes each. It will also produce seasonal berries, which are dark purple in color, and clusters of pale, yellowish-green flowers. According to the above source, English ivy is a voracious grower, and uses small root-like fibers and a sticky enzyme to attach itself to various types of surfaces, including wood and brick.

Virginia Creeper

• Virginia creeper (parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a North American vine that is part of the grape family (vitaceae). It is characterized by having green, five-pronged leaves, which turn a brilliant red color in the autumn season (making them a great covering for outdoor structures). The plant also produces seasonal greenish-white flowers, but these are often hard to see behind the foliage. Like English ivy, the Virginia creeper is a voracious grower. According to begginer-gardening.com, mature plants have been known to grow up to between 6 to 10 feet per year. Virginia creeper is also incredibly resilient, thriving successfully in zones 3 through 9 as designated by the United States Departments of Agriculture or USDA. Be careful, however, if you have Virginia creeping growing on the side of your home, as it has been known to damage windows and siding.

Grapevines

• Another common plant that hides outdoor structures is the grapevine, which is well known for producing fruit (grapes) that can be used for winemaking and eating. The plant is native to both North America (vitis labrusca) and Eurasia (vitis vinifera), and features broad, light green leaves, which are typically 3-pronged. According to demesne.info, grapevines thrive in the area between the latitudes 30 and 50-degrees north (known as the "grape belt"), which includes the majority of the continental United States. If you are considering growing a grapevine, perhaps over an arbor, make sure it faces south for optimal sun exposure. According to the above source, single plants have been known to bear up to 30 pounds of grapes per season.