Vining Perennials for the Midwest

Vigorous Vines

• For quick coverage, a vigorous-growing vine does the trick. Silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii), which prefers the conditions found in zones 4 to 7, is one strong vine that doesn't disappoint. It needs substantial support but it can ultimately grow to 35 feet. Clusters of fragrant white flowers show in summer. Keep its soil moist and place it in full sun to part-shade. Sweet autumn clematis (Terniflora clematis) is another strong-growing vine suitable for the midwest, as it grows well in zones 5 to 8. It grows to 20 feet, has fragrant blooms in the fall and pretty silver-colored seed heads. Grow autumn clematis in full to part sun and keep the soil moist and well-drained. Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), grown in zones 4 to 9, is a hardy vine that grows to 20 feet. Orange-red flowers appear in May and are replaced by glossy red berries in September. Moist, well-drained soil is best for this vining perennial.

Deciduous Vines

• A deciduous vine offers relief from the heat during summer months while allowing warmth to penetrate during the cold winter season. Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) is a deciduous vine that prefers zones 4 to 8. A full to part sun location is best for this plant. Its leaves are spectacular in fall, turning from green to gold to red. This vine covers to 50 feet. Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is another deciduous vine known for its fall color. Grow this vine in full to part sun in zones 4 to 9. This plant also can grow to 50 feet.

Vines For Fragrance

• A fragrant vine is a bonus to any yard. Hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta and Actinidia kolomikta) are two varietals that grow in zones 3 to 8. Both have fragrant flowers that appear in the spring. Hardy kiwi has edible berries and grows in rich, well-drained soil. Kentucky wisteria (Wisteria macrostachya) prefers zones 4 to 9 and can reach 30 feet. This is the hardiest wisteria. Grow it in full sun, acid soil and provide strong support. The fragrant flower clusters can hang down almost 12 inches. Goldflame honeysuckle (Lonicera x heckrottii) prefers zones 5 to 8. This vine is showy with tubular red and yellow flowers. This plant is one of the longest blooming of the honeysuckle plants and it attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Grow it in moist, well-drained soil.

Vines For Most Soil Types

• Five-leaved Akebia, American bittersweet and winter creeper are three vines that can call any place home. Tolerant of most soil conditions, these vines make it easy to create comfort in your midwestern garden. Five-leaved Akebia (Akebia quinata) suits a full shade to part sun location and handles drought and poor soil equally, growing well in zones 5 to 8. American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) suits zones 3 to 8 and grows in most soils -- provided they are well-drained. Winter creeper (Euonymus fortunei) prefers zones 5 to 9 and handles all but saturated soils. This vine grows to an astounding 70 feet.