Vine plants make a beautiful backdrop for your landscape. When choosing a vine to plant, decide where it will grow and the support you can give it.
You also need to consider what type of trouble it can get into and plant accordingly! Whichever type of vine you choose, ensure that as the plant grows, it is contained within its boundaries and is not allowed to twine around tree limbs or grow onto your house. Clinging vines can work their roots into the mortar between bricks and eventually cause significant damage. Also, please do not allow them to grow into any structures you may want to paint. A stunning vine is creeping phlox.
Different vining plants need different support systems. A twining vine, for example, must have sturdy poles or boards, such as a pergola, for the new growth to wrap around. Twining plants include Morning glory and honeysuckle.
Vines with tendrils, like clematis, passionflower, and grape, need slim structures such as string or wire to climb. Chain link fences are a perfect structure for these types, but if you want to plant them along a solid fence, they will need a little help, such as a trellis or wire.
Climbing vines such as wisteria and wintercreeper grow wonderfully on solid objects or walls but will work their way into any holes or weak areas of the wall.
Vinca minor, more commonly known as periwinkle and sometimes creeping Myrtle, is a
vining ground cover. When planted, it spreads along the ground, usually smothering weeds, but does not climb or twine. Vinca minor is attractive, especially when flowering, but if not carefully contained, it can be very invasive to others areas of your landscaping and challenging to remove.
Another species worth mentioning is English Ivy. That is the charming plant you see on the photographs of old English and Irish cottages. English Ivy will both climb just above any surface and grow horizontally along the ground. It is also a very invasive plant if not kept in check. It produces a berry-like fruit that attracts wildlife but is poisonous to humans and nectar that attracts insects.
Whichever type of vine you choose to grow, ensure you check the USDA plant hardiness zone system to ensure your climate is suitable for your chosen plant. Also, check the amount of sun or shade needed and plant accordingly. As far as soil goes, these plants are hardy and do not need anything other than rich soil. If you turn a shovel full of earth over in your designated spot and you see worms, you're good to go! Once the plants are established, they rarely need watering. Just make sure you prune them to keep them contained.
TN Nurseries best selling vines: Periwinkle vines, Phlox, English Ivy, Trumpet Vines, Wisteria
