Flowering Perennial Vines to Cover a Vinyl Fence

Twining

• Twining vines climb by curling their main stems around supports. To grow on a vinyl fence, twining vines require additional support, such as that offered by a trellis or wires. Twining, flowering perennial species include the five-leaf akebia (Akebia quinata), which grows quickly to 30 or 40 feet long. This semi-evergreen's foliage grows in clusters of five leaves. It blooms with aromatic red and purple blossoms in mid spring and is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 8. American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) twines up to 25 feet long and blooms with green-white flowers followed by long-lasting, bird-attracting orange fruits. This deciduous vine, which is hardy in zones 3 to 8, grows quickly and tolerates a range of soils.

Tendrils

• Vines that climb using tendrils, or thin stems that wrap around structures, also require additional support. The passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) produces twining tendrils that help it climb up to 20 feet long. This deciduous vine blooms in summer with white and lavender flowers, followed by edible green fruits. This native vine thrives in moist, well-drained sites and attracts butterflies. It is hardy in USDA zones 6b to 10. The coral vine (Antigonon leptopus) also climbs with tendrils. This semi-evergreen perennial grows quickly to 30 feet and thrives in sunny, sandy sites. It blooms from summer through autumn with small, deep pink blossoms. Coral vines are hardy in zones 8 to 9.

Aerial Rootlets

• Some vines produce aerial rootlets that help them to climb. These tiny roots emerge from the vine's main stems and require a rough surface to adhere, so you may need to provide additional support on the vinyl. The trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans) grows quickly from 20 to 40 feet long and tolerates neglect, wind and poor soil. This native deciduous vine attracts hummingbirds and butterflies with its large, trumpet-shaped, red-orange flowers that bloom from summer through late fall. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9. Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. Petiolaris) also sprouts aerial roots. This deciduous perennial grows to 50 feet long and blooms with clusters of white flowers from late spring through autumn. Climbing hydrangea thrive in a range of site conditions, from sun to shade, and are hardy in zones 6 to 7.

Holdfasts

• Vines that climb using sticky pads or holdfasts don't usually require additional support on a vinyl fence. These vines produce tendrils topped with tiny, adhesive disks. The cross vine (Bignonia capreolata) climbs with holdfasts and by twining. This evergreen grows from 30 to 50 feet long and attracts hummingbirds with its 2-inch-long, trumpet-shaped, orange-red flowers. Cross vines bloom in mid spring and produce the most colorful flowers when planted in full sun exposures. Virginia creepers (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) also climb using sticky discs. These deciduous perennials have serrated foliage that grows in clusters of five and are native to North America. They bloom in summer with clusters of greenish flowers, followed by bird-attracting black berries. Both vines are hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.