The advantages of using vines are among the best kept gardening secrets. They are the best way to make use of a vertical garden surface. They serve as frosting on the cake of the well-planned garden. Those beautiful cottage gardens we see illustrated in our favorite gardening magazines are accented with vines. Small-space city gardens are softened by the use of vines. These climbers can be used to accent trellises, arbors, pergolas and posts. They can be planted to meander up an old tree trunk, sprawl over rocks to cover a bank, or cover an unsightly fence. Vines climb by aerial roots (ivy), leaf stalks (clematis), tendrils (passionvine) and twining stems (akebia). Clematis is one of the most common twiners. This vine winds to the right, or clockwise, while the morning glory turns to left, or counterclockwise. Why? Ask Mother Nature! Some vines need you to offer only support and they will do the rest; others will need a little coaxing to get them to go the direction you intend. Keep them where you want them and enjoy what they have to offer.
Morning Glories
We provide a list to help you choose a quick or temporary screen or backdrop. Climbing roses are also included in many lists. While they do not actually climb without being tied, they fit many vining categories nicely (see rose chapter). After you investigate the lists below,
you will probably want to make a place for a vine, even if you don’t have one now. Enjoy these vertical treasures of the gardening world.
Vines grow in a wide range of soil pH. The following vines will do well in soils with a high pH without any special treatment. They will also do well in other soil types that are more acidic. One of the problems of growing in alkaline soils is the unavailability of iron, which then results in chlorosis (loss of green color in the leaf). Chlorosis can be dealt with by supplying soluble forms of iron; however, if you have alkaline soil your gardening activities will be less demanding if you select some of the following vines that will tolerate the higher soil pH ranges.
Actinidia (Actinidia kolomikta) |
All PNW |
Five-leaf akebia (Akebia quinata) |
All PNW |
Blueberry climber (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) |
All PNW |
Climbing snapdragon (Asarina antirrhinifolia) |
Annual |
Dutchman’s pipe (Aristolochia durior) |
All PNW |
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) |
All PNW |
Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) |
All PNW |
Clematis (Clematis, some cultivars) |
All PNW |
Hyacinth bean (Dolichos Lablab) |
Annual |
English ivy (Hedera helix) |
All PNW |
Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris) |
All PNW |
Morning glories (Ipomoea spp.) |
Annual |
Cardinal climber (Ipomoea quamoclit) |
Annual |
Perennial sweet pea (Lathyrus latifolius) |
All PNW |
Hall’s honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’) |
All PNW |
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) |
All PNW |
Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) |
All PNW |
Silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii) |
All PNW |
Climbing rose (Rosa, see rose chapter) |
All PNW |
Wisteria (Wisteria spp.) |
All PNW |
A few vines will tolerate heavy shade. The first list will do well under a tree with a dense canopy or against the north side of a house. These vines will also do well in partial shade and will take full sun in cooler summer climates. The second list will do well in either sun or partial shade. Note the zones where you can expect them to tolerate these situations the best. If you see these vines growing vigorously in your neighborhood observe their exposure and choose your planting site accordingly. Gardening is not an exact science. It requires years of observation and experimentation to come up with winning plant selections for your particular location. For example, although clematis is listed as taking full sun, it prefers cool and shaded roots. The passionvine is considered a root-hardy perennial in milder PNW climates. In other words, it dies down in the winter but comes back from the roots in the spring.
Most annual vines require full sun. Don’t forget to look at the annual vine list when deciding what vines will work in your sunniest exposures.
Shade |
|
Five-leaf akebia (Akebia quinata) |
All PNW |
Blueberry climber (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) |
All PNW |
All PNW |
|
Clematis (Clematis chrysocoma) |
All PNW |
English ivy (Hedera helix var.) |
All PNW |
Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Silvervein creeper (Parthenocissus henryana) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) |
All PNW |
Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) |
All PNW |
Schizophragma (Schizophragma hydrangeoides) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Common Hop
Full sun or partial shade |
|
Hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta) |
All PNW |
Chinese gooseberry vine (Actinidia deliciosa) |
All PNW |
Actinidia (Actinidia kolomikta) |
All PNW |
Five-leaf akebia (Akebia quinata) |
All PNW |
Blueberry climber (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) |
All PNW |
Dutchman’s pipe (Aristolochia durior) |
All PNW |
Chinese trumpet creeper (Campsis grandiflora) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) |
All PNW |
American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) |
All PNW |
Clematis (Clematis spp.) |
All PNW |
Cup-and-saucer vine (Cobaea scandens) |
All PNW |
Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei radicans) |
All PNW |
Hardenbergia (Hardenbergia violacea ‘Happy Wanderer’) |
C |
English ivy (Hedera helix var.) |
All PNW |
Japanese hop (Humulus japonicus) |
All PNW |
Common hop (Humulus lupulus) |
All PNW |
Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala) |
All PNW |
Spanish jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) |
C, LV, LM |
Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) |
C, LV, LM |
Chilean bellflower (Lapageria rosea) |
C, LV |
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica var.) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Woodbine (Lonicera periclymenum) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Chilean jasmine (Mandevilla laxa) |
C, LV |
Silvervein creeper (Parthenocissus henryana) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) |
All PNW |
Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) |
All PNW |
Incense passionvine (Passiflora ‘Incense’) |
C, LV |
Passionvine (Passiflora alatocaerulea) |
C, LV |
Silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii) |
All PNW |
Climbing rose (Rosa, see rose chapter) |
All PNW |
Schizophragma (Schizophragma hydrangeoides) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) |
LV |
Grape (Vitis spp.) |
Varies |
Wisteria (Wisteria spp.) |
All PNW |
Annual vines need only enough fertilizer to keep them healthy and vigorous through the summer. Perennial vines would benefit from a complete fertilizer once a year, however, if the vine is vigorous enough and is putting on sufficient new growth, why fertilize and cause yourself more work in pruning?
These vines are the tough guys of the Pacific Northwest. You can expect them to be vigorous, easy to grow, and reliable. It is possible for dieback to occur even with the most hardy plants. Nature sometimes deals us a severe winter. In this case, be patient and don’t prune too soon. Wait for signs of life in your vine and then prune back to a live bud or a vigorous growing point.
Hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta)
Actinidia (Actinidia kolomikta)
Five-leaf akebia (Akebia quinata)
Blueberry climber (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata)
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans)
Chinese trumpet creeper (Campsis grandiflora)
English ivy (Hedera helix)
Baltic ivy (Hedera helix ‘Baltica’)
Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala)
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii)
Grape (Vitis spp.)
Wisteria (Wisteria spp.)
A little-known vine that is a favorite of ours is the five-leaf akebia (Akebia quinata). It is attractive and graceful and provides interest outside of our office window. It grows up a wire on the southeast corner of the house. Its leaflets create a parasol for the fleshy little purple flowers that are borne on two stems, one male and one female, in late spring. It requires little in the way of fertilizer and pruning. Our biggest problem is to keep it from entwining the dinner bell hung nearby.
If you have a sunny area that could use a quick screen, attractive flowers, or a splash of color to provide a backdrop for other plants, why not choose an annual vine? Some may be difficult to find, but they are worth the search. Some nurseries do the germinating for you and offer annual vines potted and ready to go. Your seed catalogs are a good source for some of these less commonly used vines. Seeds can also be found in your local garden centers and nurseries. Look on the flower racks or specialty seed racks to find some of these gems. In the case of scarlet runner bean, the pods are edible. You can also let the pods dry on the vine to supply you with next year’s seed. Love-in-a-puff has little balloon-like seed capsules that turn a rich brown in the fall. Don’t hesitate to plant morning glory. The annual varieties are not the same as those that escape and become weeds. They will die down over the winter. Most annual vines will take full sun. It is fun to plant annual vines at the base of perennial vines to get interesting flower and foliage texture combinations.
Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia) (tuberous, hardy to C, LV, LM)
Climbing snapdragon (Asarina antirrhinifolia)
Creeping gloxinia (Asarina scandens)
Love-in-a-puff (Cardiospermum halicacabum)
Cup-and-saucer vine (Cobaea scandens)
Dwarf morning glory (Convolvulus ‘Star of Yelta’)
Ensign dwarf morning glory (Convolvulus tricolor ‘Ensign’)
Hyacinth bean (Dolichos Lablab)
Glory flower (Eccremocarpus scaber ‘Anglia Hybrids’)
Wild cucumber (Echinocystis lobata)
Glory lily (Gloriosa superba)
Hops (Humulus japonicus ‘Variegatus’)
Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)
Heavenly Blue morning glory (Ipomoea nil ‘Heavenly Blue’)
Crimson Glory morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea ‘Crimson Glory’)
Cardinal climber (Ipomoea quamoclit × multifida)
Crimson rambler morning glory (Ipomoea tricolor)
Luffa gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca)
Spanish flag (Mina lobata)
Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
Scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus)
Purple bell vine (Rhodochiton atrosanguineum)
Mexican flame vine (Senecio confusus)
Black-eyed susan vine (Thunbergia alata)
Orange clock vine (Thunbergia gregorii)
Garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Canary bird flower (Tropaeolum peregrinum)
Tweedia (Tweedia caerulea)
Climbing Snapdragon
“The fun part of growing annual vines is seeing them grow several inches a day when the summer really heats up, and watching the hummingbirds and butterflies come to feed at the flowers. Besides being pretty, annual vines are very practical. I grow some, like scarlet runners or black-eyed susan vines, as flowering sunshades for the hot spots on the patio or greenhouse. Others I like to grow around the garden to hide a rather ugly fence and to add height where things are too flat. My all-time favorite is the purple hyacinth bean (Dolichos Lablab).”—Carolyn Clark, garden writer, Portland
There are only a few vines that can thrive with wet feet. Those listed below are hardy all over the Pacific Northwest and do well in our region. The Dutchman’s pipe, sometimes called the Dutchman’s pipevine, is an interesting woody climber with large heart-shaped leaves and flaring, strangely formed blossoms favored by the pipevine swallowtail butterfly. Flowers are tube-shaped, brownish-purple with a yellowish green calyx. It does best in a northern exposure with its roots mulched in the winter.
Dutchman’s pipe (Aristolochia durior) |
All PNW |
English ivy (Hedera helix var.) |
All PNW |
Common hop (Humulus lupulus) |
All PNW |
Japanese hop (Humulus japonicus) |
All PNW |
Golden hop (Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus’) |
All PNW |
Hall’s honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii) |
All PNW |
These vines will do well in coastal environments. That is not to say they will hold up under pounding salt wind conditions, but that they will thrive in the moderately moist conditions provided by the seashore garden. To protect from the wind you may have better results by planting these vines on the leeward side of your home. If you have an inland coastal garden, wind may not be a factor. Most of the vines listed will take full sun. A few vines listed will not do well in parts of the Pacific Northwest other than in a marine-influenced landscape. Happy Wanderer hardenbergia will grow only in coastal environments.
Note: There is one unique growing zone on the coast of southwestern Oregon. While all of the vines below will grow in this marine-influenced environment, it would be best to consult plant lists for Northern California for a much wider variety of plants that will thrive in this warmer climate.
Hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta)
Actinidia (Actinidia kolomikta)
Five-leaf akebia (Akebia quinata)
Blueberry climber (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata)
Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia) tuber
Chinese trumpet creeper (Campsis grandiflora)
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans)
Clematis (Clematis spp.)
Hardenbergia (Hardenbergia violacea ‘Happy Wanderer’)
Persian ivy (Hedera colchica ‘Dentata Variegata’)
Goldheart English ivy (Hedera helix ‘Goldheart’)
Common hop (Humulus lupulus)
Golden hop (Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus’)
Variegated hop (Humulus japonicus ‘Variegatus’)
Japanese hop (Humulus japonicus)
Spanish jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum)
Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)
Chilean bellflower (Lapageria rosea)
Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Passion vine (Passiflora alatocaerulea)
Silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii)
Climbing rose (see rose chapter)
Garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Wisteria (Wisteria spp.)
Few vines have good fall color; however, the ones in the list below can provide a colorful fall backdrop for larger evergreen shrubs. Golden hues of autumn vine foliage against dark green foliage of evergreen trees or large shrubs bring a rich seasonal contrast to the garden. In addition to good fall color, the blueberry climber provides clusters of greenish ivory to brilliant metallic blue berries in late summer and fall that attract the birds. Blueberry climber, grapes, and wisteria all are vigorous growers and require strong support. The Boston ivy and Virginia creeper need a wall on which to attach their disks that are developed at the ends of their tendrils.
Blueberry climber (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) |
All PNW |
Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala) |
All PNW |
Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) |
All PNW |
Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata var.) |
All PNW |
Grape (Vitis spp.) |
Varies |
Crimson glory vine (Vitis coignetiae) |
All PNW |
Wisteria (Wisteria spp.) |
All PNW |
Here is a list of the favorite vines of the most avid gardeners we found throughout the Pacific Northwest. They are listed for the uniqueness of their foliage, flower, or fragrance. Each is worthy of a place in your garden. Go slowly though because you may wake up some morning and find the entire house engulfed with vines and you won’t be able to open the doors! Find out why each of these vines is considered special. There are many other varieties and cultivars of the vines listed. For instance, Forest Farm in Williams, Oregon, has thirty different shrub and vining honeysuckles listed in their catalog.
Trumpet Vine
Actinidia (Actinidia kolomikta) |
All PNW |
Five-leaf akebia (Akebia quinata) |
All PNW |
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) |
All PNW |
Evergreen clematis (Clematis armandii) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Jackman clematis (Clematis jackmanii) |
All PNW |
Anemone clematis (Clematis montana) |
All PNW |
Sweet autumn clematis (Clematis paniculata) |
All PNW |
Golden hop (Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus’) |
All PNW |
Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala) |
All PNW |
Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Goldnet honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica ‘Aureoreticulata’) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Woodbine (Lonicera periclymenum) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Passionvine (Passiflora alatocaerulea) |
C, LV |
Silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii) |
All PNW |
Climbing rose (see rose chapter) |
All PNW |
Wisteria (Wisteria spp.) |
All PNW |
“We certainly respect the right of plants to just be without having any human use at all. The beauty and joy they bring to our lives is incalculable, but even an ‘ugly’ plant (can there be such a thing?) without an edible fruit or a fragrant flower has incredible importance to us all in the chain of which we are only one link (a link more dependent on plants than they are on us!). It is, nevertheless, interesting, and another perspective on history, to see the many and varied ways we’ve found to use plants.”—Ray and Peg Prag, Forest Farm, Williams, Oregon
Vines can be used as a trailing groundcover to hold topsoil in place. Don’t expect them to hold large banks from major soil slippage. That is a job for tree roots. These vines will mound up on themselves and create interesting additions to your landscape. English ivy, Virginia creeper and trumpet vine have holdfast disks at the ends of their tendrils, so unless it is your plan, don’t let them climb a tree or a wall. Periwinkle is really not a vine, but is considered a vining or trailing groundcover.
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) |
All PNW |
Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei radicans) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
English ivy (Hedera helix) |
All PNW |
Goldheart English ivy (Hedera helix ‘Goldheart’) |
All PNW |
Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Hall’s honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) |
All PNW |
Periwinkle (Vinca major) |
All PNW |
Dwarf periwinkle (Vinca minor) |
All PNW |
Consideration should be given to how much pruning time you want to spend on a vining plant. Don’t choose a vigorous vine for a small space, as you will be spending all of your time trying to keep it within bounds. Some vines require heavy pruning to encourage new growth, others demand only moderate thinning to do their best. Do your homework and find out what your vine needs and what you can expect the vine to do in your growing zone.
Vines that grow in the Pacific Northwest can offer you brightly colored flowers with tropical-looking blooms or unexpected bursts of tiny colorful flowers. The Chilean jasmine has large trumpet-shaped flowers that are as powerfully fragrant as a gardenia. The akebia provides fleshy purple flowers protected by its five-part leaf. You will also discover that annual vines can provide quick-growing, interesting additions to the garden, many with large, sometimes fragrant flowers.
Hyacinth Bean
Come in Many Colors |
|
Climbing snapdragon (Asarina antirrhinifolia) |
Annual |
Clematis (Clematis spp.) |
All PNW |
Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala) |
All PNW |
Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) |
All PNW |
Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Climbing rose (see rose chapter) |
All PNW |
Black-eyed susan vine (Thunbergia alata) |
Annual |
Garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) |
Annual |
Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) |
All PNW |
This grouping of vines gives you an idea of just how far a vine is likely to reach. When selecting a vine, choose wisely and make sure you have enough space. The most vigorous vines at the top of the list will require lots of room and support. It may also be wise to determine how these vines cling so that you can provide wires for twining, surfaces for holdfasts, or a surface for clinging. Not every vine available to gardeners in this region is listed, but the list will certainly give you a start. Determining how far a vine will grow is very dependent on your climate. In higher-rainfall areas your vine is sure to be very vigorous.
Fifty Feet or Longer |
|
English ivy (Hedera helix spp.) |
All PNW |
Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala) |
All PNW |
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) |
All PNW |
Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) |
All PNW |
Grape (Vitis spp.) |
Varies |
Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) |
All PNW |
Forty Feet |
|
Dutchman’s pipe (Aristolochia durior) |
All PNW |
Chinese trumpet creeper (Campsis grandiflora) |
All PNW |
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) |
All PNW |
Crimson trumpet creeper (Campsis tagliabuana) |
All PNW |
Silvervein creeper (Parthenocissus henryana) |
All PNW |
Silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii) |
All PNW |
Bokhara fleeceflower (Polygonum baldschuanicum) |
All PNW |
Twenty to Thirty Feet |
|
Hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta) |
All PNW |
Chinese gooseberry (Actinidia deliciosa) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Blueberry climber (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) |
All PNW |
Cup-and-saucer vine (Cobaea scandens) |
Annual |
Japanese hop (Humulus japonicus) |
All PNW |
Common hop (Humulus lupulus) |
All PNW |
Pink jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) |
C, LV |
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Passionvine (Passiflora alatocaerulea) |
C, LV |
Silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii) |
All PNW |
Japanese hydrangea vine (Schizophragma hydrangeoides) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Fifteen to Twenty Feet |
|
Actinidia (Actinidia kolomikta) |
All PNW |
Five-leaf akebia (Akebia quinata) |
All PNW |
American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) |
All PNW |
Armand clematis (Clematis armandii) |
All PNW |
Jackman clematis (Clematis jackmanii) |
All PNW |
Anemone clematis (Clematis montana) |
All PNW |
Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei radicans) |
All PNW |
Chilean jasmine (Mandevilla laxa) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Climbing rose (see rose chapter) |
All PNW |
“Gardening in a vertical plane, through the use of vining plants, is becoming very popular because so many of us garden in limited spaces. Vertical gardens can be a part of a large garden, most of a small garden space, or on a deck in containers. When you run out of horizontal space for gardening, use vines, go vertical!”—Lucy Hardiman, Hardy Plant Society, Perennial Partners, Portland
These vines can easily find their way up to the sunlight and will twine their way around almost any kind of support. Give them support strong enough to hold their weight, which can be considerable when rain or snow adds to the plant’s own bulk. Provide these vines with support on which they can climb. Sometimes they need a little help in determining which direction they will go. In the case of clematis, we provide a trellis for the main part of the plant, then we stretch wires that fan out and attach to the house gutter. As the new growth stretches, we wind it around one of the wires to spread it out. Climbers and twiners sometimes circle back over themselves if you don’t provide a helping hand and direction. Lattice, netting, chicken wire, or string can provide a quick support system for annual and lightweight vines. For the woody sorts, give them the strong support needed to keep them from crashing down some stormy night.
Actinidia (Actinidia kolomikta) |
All PNW |
Five-leaf akebia (Akebia quinata) |
All PNW |
Blueberry climber (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) |
All PNW |
Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia) |
Tuber - C, LV, DV |
Dutchman’s pipe (Aristolochia durior) |
All PNW |
Chinese trumpet creeper (Campsis grandiflora) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) |
All PNW |
American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) |
All PNW |
Armand clematis (Clematis armandii) |
All PNW |
Clematis (Clematis spp.) |
All PNW |
Hyacinth bean (Dolichos Lablab) |
Annual |
Hardenbergia (Hardenbergia violacea ‘Happy Wanderer’) |
C |
Common hop (Humulus lupulus) |
All PNW |
Japanese hop (Humulus japonicus) |
All PNW |
Cardinal climber (Ipomoea quamoclit) |
Annual |
Chilean bellflower (Lapageria rosea) |
C, LV |
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Chilean jasmine (Mandevilla laxa) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus) |
Annual |
Silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii) |
All PNW |
Black-eyed susan vine (Thunbergia alata) |
Annual |
Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) |
LV |
Garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) |
Annual |
Grape (Vitis spp.) |
All PNW |
Wisteria (Wisteria spp.) |
All PNW |
Cardinal Climber
The most popular vine in the Pacific Northwest is the clematis. Most varieties will grow throughout the PNW region. They provide a profusion of flowers in a rainbow of colors and, depending on the variety selected, bloom from May to October. We have taken a random selection from nursery listings to develop this list. There are literally hundreds of clematis to entice you. Each vine has its own special attributes, such as profuse bloom, long flowering, exotic bloom, semi-double bloom, or striking stamens that contrast with the flower petals. Specialty nurseries carry the widest variety of clematis. Many nurseries publish catalogs that are good sources of information regarding these magnificent bloomers. If you find that one special clematis you are looking for, it is worth the hunt!
We have listed the Alpinas and Macropetalas that are best suited for the small garden. Their flowers are small, drooping bells. The large-flowered clematis bloom for a very long time and many will repeat bloom if pruned after they bloom. The Montanas are very vigorous climbers with bold foliage and profuse flowers in spring. The Viticella and related forms have smaller flowers and bloom throughout the summer.
Clematis like conditions of full sun to partial shade, but do best if their roots are cool. In hottest climates it is advisable to put a few inches of mulch around the base of the plant or shade the base with other plants. Don’t put a rock over the base, as it will absorb heat and make your vine very unhappy.
These will tolerate poor or dry soils if you spend the first year making sure they become well established. Especially in the higher and dryer eastern part of the Pacific Northwest, the first establishment year is most important in guaranteeing the longevity of the plant. Keeping the soil moist, fertilizing as needed, and generally nurturing the young plant insures its ability to please you with its performance.
Blueberry climber (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) |
All PNW |
American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) |
All PNW |
Hyacinth bean (Dolichos Lablab) |
Annual |
English ivy (Hedera helix varieties) |
All PNW |
Cardinal climber (Ipomoea quamoclit) |
Annual |
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) |
All PNW |
Hall’s honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’) |
All PNW |
Silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii) |
All PNW |
Wisteria (Wisteria spp.) |
All PNW |
Some tender perennial vines are treated as annuals. In climates warmer than the Pacific Northwest they would live through the winter. All of these seasonal vines do well in containers for a moveable screen. Set a trellis in a large pot, and brace it towards the back of the pot with a small board or stone. For best results, fill the container with regular garden soil mixed with about 1/3 potting soil. Plant the seeds or potted vine at the base of the trellis, keep it adequately watered throughout the summer, and enjoy the flowers.
Wintercreeper and the periwinkles are really not vines, but should be considered when searching for good vinelike groundcovers. Some of the best groundcovering vines are also those that are vigorous enough to take over when conditions are right. English ivy, for example, is one of the best for developing a groundcover that will smother out many weeds and give you a green, dense cover. However, often it escapes into the native plantings and shades out young woody plants as well.
Maintenance of groundcovers is high in their developing years. If you are not using a mulch or landscape cloth you’ll get a chance to exercise your weeding muscles.
Five-leaf akebia (Akebia quinata) |
All PNW |
Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei radicans) |
All PNW |
English ivy (Hedera helix varieties) |
All PNW |
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) |
All PNW |
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) |
All PNW |
Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) |
All PNW |
Periwinkle (Vinca major) |
C, LV, DV |
Dwarf periwinkle (Vinca minor) |
C, LV, DV |
A vine that has flowers with fragrance is doubly enjoyed. Not only are the foliage and growth attractive, but it tells you by an aroma that the plant is doing well. Plant these where you can enjoy the plant as well as the scent. Scented vines can also be trained to grow far from their root zone to give fragrance elsewhere. Many of these vines can be used in containers, trained on a trellis attached to the container.
Ioneysuckle
Five-leaf akebia (Akebia quinata) |
All PNW |
Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia) |
Tuber - C, LV, DV |
Evergreen Armand clematis (Clematis armandii) |
All PNW |
Sweet autumn clematis (Clematis paniculata) |
All PNW |
Japanese hop (Humulus japonicus) |
All PNW |
Common hop (Humulus lupulus) |
All PNW |
Moonflower (Ipomoea alba) |
Annual |
Spanish jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) |
C, LV, LM |
Pink jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) |
C, LV |
Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) |
Annual |
Hall’s honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica vars.) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Woodbine (Lonicera periclymenum) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Chilean jasmine (Mandevilla laxa) |
C, LV, LM |
Passionvine (Passiflora alatocaerulea) |
C, LV |
Incense passionvine (Passiflora ‘Incense’) |
C, LV |
Silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii) |
All PNW |
Bokhara fleeceflower (Polygonum baldschuanicum) |
All PNW |
Climbing rose (see rose chapter) |
All PNW |
Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) |
LV |
Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) |
All PNW |
Silky wisteria (Wisteria venusta ‘Violacea’) |
All PNW |
Here are some quick-covering smaller vines that will climb up your mailbox, fencepost, or small structures where you want some vertical interest. If you have room, you can even combine a couple of vines for contrast. If any of these climbers go beyond where you want them, just give them a trim. There are many other vines that may serve this purpose, but would require a lot of trimming on your part. As your plant collection grows, less maintenance becomes important.
Clematis hybrids, many named cultivars |
All PNW |
Gold Heart ivy (Hedera helix ‘Gold Heart’) |
All PNW |
Needlepoint ivy (Hedera helix ‘Needlepoint’) |
All PNW |
Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) |
C, LV, LM |
Goldflame honeysuckle (Lonicera Heckrottii) |
All PNW |
Chilean jasmine (Mandevilla laxa) |
C, LV, LM |
Pink mandevilla (Mandevilla ‘Alice du Pont’) |
C, LV, LM |
Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) |
LV |
Purple leafed grape (Vitis vinifera ‘Purpurea’) |
All PNW |
Annual vines (see list) |
All PNW |
Sometimes we have an unsightly surface that needs a little dressing up, or the need for a quick privacy screen. The following vines will do the job for you. There are only three annuals listed; the rest are woody perennials that will remain for years to provide interest in the garden. Some are quite vigorous. You might want to decide how far you want them to reach or how much pruning you are willing to do.
Blueberry climber (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) |
All PNW |
Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia) |
C, LV, DV |
Dutchman’s pipe (Aristolochia durior) |
All PNW |
Chinese trumpet creeper (Campsis grandiflora) |
All PNW |
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) |
All PNW |
Cup-and-saucer vine (Cobaea scandens) |
Annual |
Sweet autumn clematis (Clematis paniculata) |
All PNW |
Japanese hop (Humulus japonicus) |
All PNW |
Common hop (Humulus lupulus) |
All PNW |
Morning glory (Ipomoea nil ‘Heavenly Blue’) |
Annual |
Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) |
Annual |
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) |
All PNW |
Scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus) |
Annual |
Silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii) |
All PNW |
Bokhara fleeceflower (Polygonum baldschuanicum) |
All PNW |
Grape (Vitis spp.) |
Varies |
You need to know how a vine climbs so that you can provide it with the proper support. Some vines need help getting started; others can simply be planted near a vertical surface and you had better jump back! These vines reach with tendrils that search out anything to wrap around. They are easy to encourage in the direction you want them to go.
Blueberry climber (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) |
All PNW |
Hybrid clematis |
All PNW |
Sweet autumn clematis (Clematis paniculata) |
All PNW |
Cup-and-saucer vine (Cobaea scandens) |
Annual |
Glory lily (Gloriosa superba) |
Annual |
Perennial pea (Lathyrus latifolius) |
All PNW |
Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) |
All PNW |
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) |
All PNW |
Passion vine (Passiflora alatocaerulea) |
C, LV |
Grapes (Vitis spp.) |
All PNW |
These vines cling by discs or holdfasts that attach themselves to any surface. You may not want these vigorous climbers next to the house, as they can create a real headache when you want to paint or have repairs that need attention. These vines are best in areas where you can just let them run and go where they may without getting into too much trouble. Boston ivy and Virginia creeper have both tendrils and discs.
Chinese trumpet creeper (Campsis grandiflora) |
All PNW |
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) |
All PNW |
Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei radicans) |
All PNW |
English ivy (Hedera helix varieties) |
All PNW |
Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala) |
All PNW |
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) |
All PNW |
Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) |
All PNW |
Japanese hydrangea vine (Schizophragma hydrangeodies) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
“Vining plants transform the garden, take your eye upward, trick you into believing everything above you is part of your garden, too. They twine and sprawl and spill about, foliage and flower, binding and weaving your garden into the edges of the world. Vines walk the tightrope, fly the trapeze, loop the loop, reach, twine and dance. They are my garden’s risk takers—and I swear I’ve heard them laugh!”—Jolly Butler, Master Gardener and wordsmith, Portland, Oregon
When deciding to add seasonal interest to the garden, don’t forget that vines can contribute some very unusual features. In late summer the blueberry climber offers clusters of berries in shades of greenish ivory to metallic blue, the hardy kiwi produces tempting fruit, and the hyacinth bean provides burgundy seed pods. Each vine on this list has something special to offer. Add them to your fall bouquets or just enjoy them as you stroll through your garden.
Hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta) |
All PNW |
Chinese gooseberry vine (Actinidia deliciosa) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Blueberry climber (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) |
All PNW |
Love-in-a-puff (Cardiospermum halicacabum) |
Annual |
American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) |
All PNW |
Chinese bittersweet (Celastrus rosthornianus) |
All PNW |
Hyacinth bean (Dolichos Lablab) |
Annual |
Woodbine (Lonicera periclymenum) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Berries Jubilee woodbine (Lonicera periclymenum ‘Berries Jubilee’) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus) |
Annual |
Grape (Vitis spp.) |
Varies |
Providing support—When training against a wall, make sure you provide a method of taking the vine down so you can paint or repair the supporting wall. In the case of kiwi and some of the other vigorous vines, a strong support system is necessary. For other lighter-weight vines something as simple as a teepee trellis made of branches from a contorted willow will do just fine. Keep in mind how the vine you selected will grow and give it adequate support.
Spring |
|
Five-leaf akebia (Akebia quinata) |
All PNW |
Clematis (Clematis hybrids) |
All PNW |
Anemone clematis (Clematis montana) |
All PNW |
Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) |
All PNW |
Goldflame honeysuckle (Lonicera Heckrottii) |
All PNW |
Climbing rose (see rose chapter) |
All PNW |
Periwinkle (Vinca major) |
All PNW |
Dwarf periwinkle (Vinca minor) |
All PNW |
Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) |
All PNW |
Summer |
|
Dutchman’s pipe (Aristolochia durior) |
All PNW |
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) |
All PNW |
Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala) |
All PNW |
Spanish jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) |
C, LV, LM |
Chilean bellflower (Lapageria rosea) |
C, LV |
Goldflame honeysuckle (Lonicera Heckrottii) |
All PNW |
Hall’s honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’) |
All PNW |
Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) |
All PNW |
Chilean jasmine (Mandevilla laxa) |
C, LV, DV |
Silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii) |
All PNW |
Bokahara fleeceflower (Polygonum baldschuanicum) |
All PNW |
Climbing rose (see rose chapter) |
|
All the annual vines except sweet pea |
|
Late Summer |
|
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) |
All PNW |
Clematis (Clematis hybrids) |
All PNW |
Sweet autumn clematis (Clematis paniculata) |
All PNW |
Common hops (Humulus lupulus) |
All PNW |
Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala) |
All PNW |
Chilean bellflower (Lapageria rosea) |
C, LV |
Goldflame honeysuckle (Lonicera Heckrottii) |
All PNW |
Woodbine (Lonicera periclymenum) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii) |
All PNW |
Bokahara fleece flower (Polygonum baldschuanicum) |
All PNW |
Climbing rose (see rose chapter) |
All PNW |
Fall |
|
Clematis (Clematis hybrids) |
All PNW |
Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala) |
All PNW |
Chilean bellflower (Laperia rosea) |
C, LV |
Woodbine (Lonicera periclymenum) |
C, LV, LM, DV |
Silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii) |
All PNW |
Bokahara fleeceflower (Polygonum baldschuanicum) |
All PNW |
Climbing rose (see rose chapter) |
All PNW |
Annual vines bloom until it gets cool or until frost |
|
