Success with Vines

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

 

Source of Information on Successful Ways to Grow Vines

Creeping Phlox - TN Nursery

Creeping Phlox

The Creeping Phlox is a low-growing perennial plant with small, vibrant pink flowers that form a dense carpet-like display in spring. It forms a beautiful, lush pink carpet array of blooms and is an excellent spreading groundcover plant that will control weeds and overgrowth near hillsides and banks you can not maintain. Due to its numerous benefits and aesthetic appeal, it is a popular and versatile plant used in landscaping.  The creeping phlox is a solid option for those who want to add gorgeous color to their yard. This plant, also known as the mountain type, moss type, and moss pink, is native to the central and eastern United States, and its beauty makes it a popular option for gardens around the globe. What are the benefits of adding this vibrant plant to your yard or garden? Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera) Has Brilliant Colors Creeping Phlox's flowers are stunning, with colors ranging from pale blue, white, and pink to bright violet. Each flower has five hardy petals, but some have six petals. The plants bloom through the spring and summer, providing lasting color for approximately one month. As an evergreen perennial, the plant remains green throughout the year. It can brighten up an otherwise dull, dreary yard in the peak of the cold weather season. Creeping Phlox Is A Filler Plant This plant grows five inches tall and up to 13 inches in diameter. In addition to the expanse of a single plant, the plant proliferates. Many use its beauty as an alternative to grass or a filler in their more extensive gardens. Because of its short height, it does not need to be cut back like grass and other ground cover. Weeds increase and can make your yard look poorly maintained in a matter of weeks. The plant is dense with tightly clustered leaves. When in bloom, the flowers blanket the tops of the plants. Because of its unique traits, the plant prevents or minimizes weed growth. As a result, your gardens can continue to look fabulous without needing to devote hours of your valuable time to pulling weeds regularly. Creeping Phlox Helps With Soil Erosion Prevention  Grass generally only thrives on ledges and steep banks, making your grounds look barren and subject to erosion. The creeping phlox, however, thrives in these areas. Its presence can dramatically reduce the damaging effects of erosion while enhancing aesthetics. It is well-suited for providing immediate and long-term benefits to your property. Where to plant creeping phlox It thrives in drainage and bright light. It wants somewhere it'll spread easily and turn into a carpet in spring.  Is creeping phlox a shade or sun plant?  To flower, creeping phlox needs full sun, six hours or so. The plant can tolerate shade but not for long because it will hurt its growth.  How long does creeping phlox last Creeping phlox is a perennial that returns every year. It blooms for 2-4 weeks in the spring and it's evergreen so you can have it for year round ground cover.  Does creeping phlox grow fast?  Creeping phlox starts quickly and spreads into a mound of foliage and flowers. When properly managed and under the right conditions, it can cover a lot of land in just a few seasons.  How to maintain creeping phlox Creeping phlox is easy-care, but it does need to be pruned once the flowers are faded. Install it in moist place and water it in summer.

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