Vines That Flower

Chocolate Vine

• The chocolate vine (Akebia quinata) rapidly grows from 20 to 40 feet in length with spreads from 6 to 9 feet. Native to Asia, this flowering vine winters well in USDA zones 4 to 8. Chocolate vines prefer loamy, well-drained soils in fully sunny locations, but can tolerate almost full shade. The fragrant, purplish-chocolate brown flowers bloom in March and April, followed by purple fruit pods full of black seeds and edible, white pulp. The deep green leaves are semi-evergreen in warmer climates. Chocolate vines grow quite quickly and can suffocate other plants. Use chocolate vines as a ground cover or plant these vines to climb walls, fences or trellises.

Star Jasmine

• Star jasmine vines (Trachelospermum jasminoides) come from Asia and generally winter well in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10. This trailing vine reaches up to 15 feet in length and features deep green leaves, willowy stems and vibrant yellow to creamy white flowers that bloom in May and June. These vines prefer sandy loams in fully sunny to partially shady locations. Although star jasmine can handle full shade, the flowering is greatly reduced. Japanese beetles often infest these plants. Plant star jasmine vines on walls or terraces. You can also let this plant sprawl on the ground to cover banks and slopes.

Blue Passionflower

• The blue passionflower (Passiflora caerulea) features glossy leaves that are deciduous in cooler climates but evergreen in tropical environments. The purplish-blue and white flowers bloom up to 4 inches across in the summer, giving way to edible, egg-sized, dark orange fruits that last throughout the autumn. Native to Argentina and Brazil, this flowering vine winters well in hardiness zones 7 to 9. Mature vines range from 10 to 25 feet in length and spread out up to 6 feet. Blue passionflowers prefer loose gravelly or sandy soils in fully sunny to partially shady locations. Butterfly larvae often damage the foliage. Use blue passionflowers in tropical gardens or grow in greenhouses.

Moonflower

• Moonflower vines (Ipomoea alba) feature tubular, white flowers from July through October. The fragrant flowers open around dusk and close around noon. These flowering vines also bear dark green foliage and milky stems. Native to the American tropics, this plant winters well in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12. Plants prefer moist soils in fully sunny locations. No serious potential pest or health problems plague moonflower vines. Mature plants range from 10 to 15 feet in length and 3 to 6 feet in width. Plant moonflower vines to cover trellises, decks or fences.