Climbing and Flowering Vines for Gardens

Star Jasmine

• Despite the name, star jasmine is not a member of the jasmine family, but its flowers have a very strong, jasmine-like scent. It will twine around a trellis or fence, and can reach 20 feet long. The leaves are dark green, and the white flowers appear in the spring in profuse clusters. Plant where you will be able to enjoy the sweet fragrance. Star jasmine is not particular about soil, tolerates full sun through light shade, and requires moderate water.

Wisteria

• Wisteria is a gorgeous woody vine, covered in fragrant, foot-long clusters of light-purple flowers each spring. Wisteria is very heavy and fast--growing, and is best supported on a freestanding trellis. Prune every winter to control its rampant growth. Pruning also helps increase flowering. Careful attention to fertilizing will reward you with bountiful flowers, as will planting in a location with full sun. Wisteria can be temperamental, and if not cared for properly, will disappoint with few blooms.

Trumpet Honeysuckle

• Most honeysuckles are very fragrant, and extremely attractive to hummingbirds. There are several types of honeysuckle, including the vining trumpet honeysuckle. The trumpet honeysuckle grows well when supported against a wall, fence or trellis, and it can reach 10 to 20 feet. It will tolerate some shade, and prefers moist, well-drained soil. The red flowers will draw hummingbirds like a magnet, but this is one of the few nonfragrant honeysuckles. The profuse flowers will make up for that lack, however, and provide bright color to your yard mid-spring through summer.

Annual Vines

• Annual vines provide quick growth and color for just one year. Perfect for bare spots, covering an unattractive fence, or just adding a touch of beauty to your yard, they are inexpensive and easy to grow. Some popular annual vines that require little care and do well in most parts of the country include nasturtiums, morning glory, sweet pea, black-eye Susan and moonflower. Keep well-watered, provide fertilizer, and step back while these blossoming beauties transform your yard into a lush paradise.