Fernlike Plant With Tendrils

Definition

• Tendrils are slim, flexible stems that tend to wrap themselves around support structures, including other plants to pull the stems upward. These modified stems are curled because growth occurs more rapidly on one side of the stem than the other.

Consideration

• Plants with tendrils need support structures to grow upward, such as trellises, arbors, netting, twine, PVC pipe, decay-resistant wood or plastic coated wires. Place the supports far enough away from walls, fences and buildings to keep the air circulating.

Types

• Cardinal vine (Ipomoea x sloten) reaches 10 feet tall covered with fern-like leaves. The small, bright red blossoms attract hummingbirds to the garden. Cypress vine (Ipomoea quamoclit) grows to 20 feet in height with star-shaped red flowers and feathery, fern-like leaves. This plant is invasive so remove the flowers before seeds develop.