Vines That Will Grow in Gravel

Bougainvillea

• Bougainvillea is a tough shrub that you can train as a vine. It produces pink, white or apricot flowers that have papery petals and thorns. The plant grows 10 to 12 feet long and 8 feet wide.These plants are hardy in warm climates only. Grow them as an annual in northern regions or overwinter them indoors. Plant bougainvillea in gravely soil in a warm, sunny location. Water frequently immediately after planting. Once established, bougainvilleas are very drought-tolerant. Commercial growers withhold water to encourage blooms.

Morning Glory

• Morning glory is a tough annual vine that produces large, round flowers in purple, blue, pink or white and grows 20 feet in one season. Its cousin, the moon flower, has similar attributes but blooms at night. Soak morning glory seeds before planting them to soften the hard shell. Plant them outdoors after the last expected frost. Keep the gravely soil moist until the seeds germinate. Mature plants are fairly drought tolerant.

American Bittersweet

• American bittersweet grows rampantly in any well-drained soil, including gravely soil, but doesn't tolerate wet feet. Plant both a male and female plant to produce the small red and orange berries prized in dried arrangements and wreaths. Prune bittersweet back severely in the spring to control its growth and remove it from shrubs and trees. The fruits are toxic to humans and pets.

Virginia Creeper

• Virginia creeper is a tough, native plant found in poor, gravely soils or woodland settings. It grows 30 to 50 feet long and attaches to surfaces through adhesive disks. The plant has leaves in clusters of five and is sometimes mistaken for poison ivy. It produces green glossy leaves in summer that turn brilliant red or purple in the fall. Birds and wildlife enjoy the fruit. Plant Virginia creeper in full sun or partial shade. It is very drought tolerant, once established.