Non-Aggressive Flowering Vines

Hydrangea

• Several species in the Hydrangea genus grow slowly, especially when young. These deciduous vines bloom with large, showy clusters of flowers from spring through summer. The climbing hydrangea (H. anomala subsp. Petiolaris) grows to 50 feet tall and produces white flowers starting in late spring. It thrives in sun to shade and well-drained soil.

Schizophragma

• A few vines in the Schizophragma grows slowly. Chinese hydrangea vines (S. integrifolium) grow to 45 feet long. These deciduous vines bloom with 10- to 12-inch clusters of white flowers. They climb using aerial roots and grow well in hot, moist climates. The Japanese hydrangea vine (S. hydrangeoides) grows slowly when young and then more rapidly as it matures. This deciduous vine grows to 35 feet tall and climbs using aerial roots. It blooms in mid-summer with 8-inch clusters of white flowers. Japanese hydrangea vines prefer sunny, hot sites with plenty of moisture.

Lonicera

• Some vines in the Lonicera genus grow at a moderate, rather than an aggressive, rate and a few also bloom with fragrant flowers. The redgold honeysuckle (L. x tellmanniana) grows from 12 to 16 feet long and climbs by twining. It produces bright, yellow-to-red flowers from late spring through summer and thrives in sun to partial shade. Yellow honeysuckle (L. flava) also grows at a moderate rate. This deciduous vine thrives in sunny sites and blooms with aromatic, yellow and orange flowers followed by red fruits. Yellow honeysuckle twines and sprawls.

Wisteria

• Though some species of wisteria (Wisteria spp.) grow aggressively or even invasively, other species grow at a moderate rate. The 12-foot-long Kentucky wisteria (W. macrostachya) is native to the U.S. This deciduous vine has coarse foliage and produces large, pendulous clusters of purple and yellow flowers in spring. The Taiwanese wisteria (W. taiwanensis) also grows moderately and reaches lengths of 6 to 10 feet. It blooms with aromatic, purple flowers in spring and grows best in full sun. Both wisteria species climb by twining.

Other Nonaggressive Vines

• The yellow star jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) grows slowly to 12 feet long. This evergreen vine climbs by twining and produces aromatic, yellow flowers. It thrives in partially shaded sites. The stauntonia vine (Stauntonia hexaphylla “Cartwheel”) grows at a moderate rate from 10 to 25 feet long. This twining vine flowers from spring through summer with aromatic white blossoms. It grows well in containers and thrives in full sun to partial shade. The eleutherocossus (Eleutherococcus henryi) grows at a moderate rate. This deciduous vine reaches lengths of 12 feet and sprawls rather than climbs. It thrives in full sun and blooms with white, star-shape flowers.