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Ornamental Vines

Vines are plants with supple stems that can climb, trail, or creep and if you want them to be erect, need some support other than their own stems. In home landscaping,  plants such as the grape are both decorative and functional  . They contribute greatly to the beauty and enjoyment of a garden.

Some vines are grown primarily for their profuse or fragrant bloom; others for their colorful foliage or fruits; some are useful because of their persistent foliage; and some produce edible fruits. Most vines that are useful in landscape design are perennial, but a number of annual species, such as morning glory and scarlet runner bean, serve a valuable purpose, particularly when rapid and profuse growth is needed.

 Among the many landscape uses of vines are:

•  Covering of arbors, pergolas, patios, and similar structures to provide shade and privacy and to exhibit the species to best advantage. 

• Covering fences and masonry walls, creating geometric designs on such structures, or providing partial covering to soften the lines and to break the monotony of long stretches of these barriers.   

• Screening undesirable or objectionable views from within the garden area.

• Providing privacy for the out­door living area, thus serving the same function as a shrub border or hedge but requiring less space. 

• Providing indoor temperature control, a feature of considerable importance in the desert regions of the Southwest. A species that forms a dense growth of foliage on a south or west wall of a building reduces the interior temperature in the summer by deflecting the direct rays of the sun.

• Providing a ground cover on slopes and in shady areas where it is difficult to maintain turf.

 Climbing plants are classified into three distinct types on the basis of how they climb:

 One type climbs and obtains support by means of tendrils. These are slender, modified leaves that wrap themselves around almost any support with which they come in contact.  The grape, Sweet pea, and Porcelain vine are examples of various vines that climb by means of tendrils.

A second type is the clinging vine, which climbs by means of adhesive discs or aerial roots that grow along the stems. This type of vine will cling rather tenaciously to wood, plastered, brick, or cinder block walls. The Virginia creeper or woodbine climbs by means of adhesive discs, while the well-known English ivy produces aerial roots along the stems.

The third type of vine climbs by twining stems around a supporting structure. Some species twine themselves from right to left, while others grow in the other direction. These vines must have substantial support, whether wood, wire or metal.

Properly selected and well-established vines generally require little maintenance. Slow-growing vines are best adapted for use on walls and fences.

Most vines need occasional pruning to train them into the required shape or form and to keep them within the desired boundaries.  The more aggressive and vigorous types, such as Honeysuckle, trumpet creeper and wisteria, must be pruned frequently to thin out old growth and to stimulate new growth and flowering.  Vines of this type, if unattended, soon become thick, matted, and unattractive.

In selecting vines to plant, choose those that can thrive in the soil, light, temperature, and moisture of the site.

PLANT SPECIES AND THEIR USE

The following plant species, listed in alphabetical order by scientific name, are representative of the many vines that can be grown successfully in New Mexico. Specific environmental requirements are suggested along with the descriptive features of each species.

 Ampelopsis brevipendunculata elegans. Porcelain Ampelopsis. This deciduous vine has a wide range of adaptability. It is hardy and grows aggressively, climbing by means of tendrils, so that it requires durable support. The young leaves are tinted an attractive pink and become white and variegated greenish-white as they mature. Shiny, bright-blue berries develop in the early fall. The vine grows best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Because of its vigorous growth, rather severe annual pruning in the early spring is required. Porcelain vine is useful for screening, pergola cover, or on cinder block walls in any exposure except north.

Aristolochia durior. Dutchman’s Pipe. This garden favorite has been grown for many years throughout most of the United States. As the common name suggests, the flowers, while small, resemble a curved-stemmed pipe. The vine grows vigorously and has very large, dark green leaves. This deciduous species climbs by twining its stems around objects, so it requires a ridged supporting structure. Dutchman’s pipe is hardy in all but the higher elevations of New Mexico. It is a fine species for screening or for covering pergolas and trellises to produce deep shade. 

Billardiera longiflora Climbing blueberry, Purple apple berry Family: Pittosporaceae Geographic Origin New South Wales and Tasmania Hardiness USDA zones 7-9 Mature size Height 6-10 feet (1-3 m) Flowering period Summer Flowering attributes Yellow trumpet shaped flowers turning to lavender as it ages. Leaf attributes Lance-shaped dark green leaves Growth habit  Evergreen climber Culture Light Sun to partial shade Soil Humus-rich, moist but well drained soil. Feeding Once a month with well-balanced fertilizer during growing season. Top dress with compost in winter. Propagation Methods Sow seed as soon as ripe in autumn | Softwood cuttings in early summer. Pruning Methods: Prune after fruiting, only necessary for rejuvenation or to keep confined to its space

Campsis radicans. Trumpet Vine. A vigorous, fast-growing deciduous plant, trumpet vine is hardy in all areas of the state. Large attractive orange-red flowers appear during the summer. It will grow equally well in sun or partial shade but usually produces more flowers if situated in full sun. Because of its heavy shrub-like growth, it should be pruned and thinned out annually to reduce its weight and to keep it within the desired bounds. Trumpet vine will cling to wood or masonry walls, but it usually requires additional support to hold the heavy weight of the vines and foliage. It can be used on well-constructed wire fences and on rock or cinder block walls. The orange-red flowers of the trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) add color to the garden scene.
  WARNING: Its common name cow-itch vine refers to the plant's ability to produce a skin irritant. Contact may result in redness, burning and itching in susceptible individuals. This plant may also become invasive when grown under optimal conditions -- cut back in winter if necessary to keep in bounds.  Poisonous Plants: Campsis radicans

Celastrus scandens, American Bittersweet, not commonly grown in New Mexico is a twining climbing vine capable of a height of 20 feet but more normally found sprawling on fences.  American Bittersweet fruits are produced in July - October and are 1/4 inch round fruits in hanging clusters 2 to 4 inches long eventually splitting open to reveal bright red fleshy seeds for a showy Autumn.  American bittersweet prefers a sunny location and occurs throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. The climbing growth habit of Celastrus scandens, American bittersweet makes it a valuable ornamental plant both outdoors and indoors. It is easily trained to climb walls, trellises, and fences. When added to existing shrub plantings, this twining vine produces excellent wildlife cover and aids in erosion control as well. The berry-like fruits of American Bittersweet are showy and provide winter food for wildlife species such as grouse, pheasant, quail, rabbit, and squirrel.  Celastrus scandens leaves are alternate, dark green, oval shaped, and turn yellow before dropping in the fall.  Native American bittersweet vine is often confused with the weedy pest Oriental Bittersweet .  

     Other common names used for American Bittersweet include Climbing bittersweet, false bittersweet, climbing orange-root, fever-twig, fever-twitch, staff-vine, and Jacob's-ladder.  American bittersweet is valued for its glossy green summer foliage followed by orange and red fruits and seeds. The branches with colorful berries and arils are used in dry flower arrangements and winter decoration.

    Celastrus scandens, American bittersweet grows wild in woodlands, rocky slopes, along bluffs, and along fence rows from Georgia to Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and west to Ontario, Manitoba, and Wyoming.  Plant seed outside in fall/winter or give cold pretreatment.

     American Bittersweet vine grows wild in most states east of the Mississippi but it can be planted and will grow over a wider area .  USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 9.

Cissus incisa. Treebine Ivy. Although attractive, this semi-evergreen vine is of marginal use in New Mexico because it lacks winter hardiness. If the top is killed back, new shoots will grow from underground tubers. This species climbs by means of tendrils, so wire or trellis support is required. Small, green, inconspicuous flowers followed by blue-black, grape-like fruits. It will grow in shady areas but thrives in full sun. Treebine ivy is useful for screening in protected planter boxes or for indoor use as a pot plant grown on a totem pole The foliage has an unpleasant odor if crushed or bruised    Cissus incisa, possum grape

Clematis spp. Clematis. This genus, with numerous species and hybrids, is an old-time favorite among gardeners. The distinctive flower structure of the Clematis is known to most gardeners. Of the many species of clematis, some are native to the United States, and two, C. drummondi (Drummond clematis and C. ligusticifolia (western virginsbower), are indigenous to New Mexico. Drummond clematis is found among shrubs at elevations up to 4000 feet. Western virginsbower has a wider range of adaptability and is found at elevations from 3000 to 8000 feet, commonly along streams and irrigation ditches.  Drummond clematis has the smaller leaves but larger plumose fruits than western virginsbower.
    Both forms are deciduous, climb by twining leaf petioles, and will reach 20 feet in height if given some type of support. White flowers appear in June and are followed by attractive silky, plumose fruiting structures. Both species will grow in partial shade, but best results are achieved when the top growth is in full sun with the roots in a shady area. They are excellent vines for screening or lattice cover. Click here: http://www.ccenassau.org/hort/fact_sheets/a224_clematis_problems_jul01.pdf

 Clematis paniculata. Sweet Autumn Clematis. A hardy, semi-evergreen form, this clematis produces small, white, fragrant flowers in late summer. Silvery, plumose fruiting structures appear during the fall and early winter. Because the flowers are borne on the current season’s growth, plants may be cut to ground level each winter without a reduction in floral production. The species is useful in any situation where a vinous plant is desired. Jackman clematis, Clematis Jackmanii, has large, attractive flowers that appear in early summer. Many varieties with flower colors ranging from white, pink, light blue to purple are available. There are also many double flowering forms. 'Ernest Markham' clematis is one of the best red flowers forms of this popular vine.

 Cobaea scandens  (Cathedral Bells) Spectacular blooms with a honey scent. Charming, 1-2 1/2" cup-like blossoms, each sitting on a large, green calyx "saucer." Open pale green and mature to rich purple. Vigorous climber with purple-green foliage. Long-flowering. .Annual, 120-130days, Suited for containers A fast growing annual that can reach the top of the house, bloom and mature seed in one season .
 

Bean, Hyacinth -- Dolichos lablab L., or Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet The hyacinth bean is also called lablab, bonavist, Chinese flowering, Egyptian, Pharao, shink, val, wild field, and Indian bean. It is not cultivated much in Florida, or in the rest of the United States, but where it is grown in Florida, it is mainly for ornamental purposes. In some areas of the United States, it has been used as a forage crop.
Hyacinth bean is widely grown in Southern Asia and Africa where the ripe seeds and the green pods are used for food. The plant is similar to the Southern pea, but the vines are longer and tougher. When the plant is supported, it often has a vine 20-25 feet long. Leaves are broad, oval and pointed.

Euonymus fortunei (E. radicans, Common Wintercreeper. This hard evergreen vine climbs by means of aerial roots that grow from the stems. Its chief value lies in its evergreen foliage. The vines will cling to tree trunks and walls with rough surfaces, growing equally well in sun or shade. This species is also useful as a ground cover on banks and steep slopes. There are numerous varieties of E. fortunei with variations in leaf size, foliage color leaf persistence, and growth characteristics. The hardy wintercreeper euonymus (E. fortunei), highly valued for its evergreen foliage, also  produces greenish-white flowers in the spring . Vines: Euonymus fortunei var. radicans

Ficus pumila. (F. repens). Creeping Fig. This is a most unusual fig species because of its vinous growth and climbing characteristics. The young vine forms small, heart-shaped leaves, but on the mature vines foliage is larger and more ovate. Creeping fig is not a hardy vine and is deciduous even in southern New Mexico. Winter injury of leaves and young growth frequently occurs unless it is planted in a well-protected area. The vine makes a good wall cover if planted in a north or shady exposure. Occasional pruning stimulates a more vigorous growth and prevents shagginess. The creeping fig (Ficus pumila) makes a fine wall covering for patios and porches.  http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/pdf/ficus_pumila.pdf

Gelsemium sempervirens. Carolina Jessamine. A shrubby, evergreen vine of moderate growth, jessamine climbs by twining its stem around the supporting structure. Fragrant, tubular, yellow flowers form in the leaf axils and in clusters during the early spring. To prevent a matted, top-heavy growth, annual pruning after flowering is recommended. The vine is excellent for early spring bloom in southern New Mexico. It ‘must have a trellis or some other supporting structure. The fragrant yellow flowers of Carolina jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens) are valued for early spring bloom  Poisonous Plants: Gelsemium sempervirens :

Hedera helix. English Ivy. Perhaps one of the best and most widely grown of the evergreen vines, this species is at its best when planted in a north exposure or a shady location. A year or more may be required for plants to become fully established and begin climbing. English ivy is suitable for use on tree trunks or masonry walls, forming  thick heavy foliage cover on these surfaces. Several varieties and forms are available. H. canariensis, Algerian ivy, is a large-leaf form with greater sun tolerance but less winter hardiness. H helix ‘Hahni’, Hahn’s ivy, is small-leaved form with dense foliage. It is especially valuable for ground cover use. A variegated form of this species is also available. The Baltic selections of ivy are among the hardiest of this group. The well known English ivy (Hedera helix) will climb trees and walls. PCA Alien Plant Working Group - English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Jasminum mesnyi. Primrose Jasmine. This plant is a viney shrub with a moderate rate of growth. Because of its shrubby tendencies, it will form a mound about four feet high with a six-foot spread if it is not pruned and trained. The foliage is semi-evergreen with light-green glossy leaves during the growing season. Yellow semi-double flowers 1.5 inches in diameter appear in late March to early April in southern New Mexico. Primrose jasmine is not hardy and may require protection during the coldest winter months. While the top may freeze back, strong vigorous regrowth will arise from the crown, making it one of the best of the jasmines where it survives the winter. The plant is useful for a low-growing hedge when un-pruned, but it may be trained on a trellis or similar structure when used as a vine. It thrives in either full sun or in partial shade if it receives the morning sun Floridata: Jasminum mesnyi

Jasminum stephanense Jasmine, Hardy Pink Native Chinese twining vine with 2" long, lance-shaped leaves is loaded with richly fragrant delicate pink blooms early to midsummer. Grows 10-15' tall. In sheltered locations, will quickly grow to cover a trellis, fence or arbor. Space 8-10' apart. Zone 7 to 10
 Jasminum stephanense - Rainyside.com

Lonicera japonica halliana. Hall’s Japanese Honeysuckle. The vinous honeysuckle has long been a favorite in American gardens. It is a hardy vine, evergreen in most winters in southern New Mexico and deciduous in the colder areas of the state. The newly formed white flowers change to yellow with age and have a very pleasant sweet fragrance. Honeysuckle grows vigorously in either sun or partial shade. Annual pruning and thinning out of older growth is necessary to prevent the vine from becoming thick, matted, and unattractive and to stimulate new flowering wood. This versatile vine climbs by twining its stems around the supporting structure and is a favorite plant for trellis, arbor, or pergola use. It is frequently used as a ground cover without support. L. japonica purpurea, purple Japanese honeysuckle, is a deciduous form, often used as a ground cover, with leaves tinged purple or coral-red and yellow flowers. For additional information Care and Cultivation of Honeysuckle Vines, Lonicera japonica However, in some areas it has become a problem. Invasive Species: Japanese honeysuckle profile to learn about the problem.

Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Ampelopsis quinquefolia). Virginia Creeper, Woodbine. Another old-time favorite native to many areas of the United States, Virginia creeper is a strong-growing, deciduous vine that clings to walls, trees, and other structures by means of tendrils with adhesive discs. It is very hardy and grows well in all areas of New Mexico. Its foliage is a light green during the growing season and changes to various intensities of red, depending upon exposure and temperature in the fall. The foliage is not as thick and dense as English ivy, but the vine grows rapidly in either full sun or partial shade. It is, however, very susceptible to mildew when planted in the shade. A subspecies, P. quinquefolia engelmanni has smaller leaves and denser foliage. Another closely related species P. tricuspidata, Boston ivy, is similar to Virginia creeper but has denser foliage. One or more varieties with smaller leaves than the original are available.  Parthenocissus quinquefolia fact sheet

Periploca graeca. Silkvine. This is a deciduous, semi-hardy, perennial vine that climbs by twining its stems around a supporting structure. It grows rapidly to a height of about 40 feet. The leaves are a dark glossy-green, ranging from one to four inches in length. Flowers with greenish-yellow margins and purplish centers are borne during the summer. Silkvine grows equally well in full sun or partial shade. Annual, rather severe pruning is required each spring for best results. The plant is effective for screening or for use on walls, trellises, and lattice structures.  Vines: Periploca serpium

 Petrea volubiles. Coral Vine, Queen’s Wreath. This attractive vine bears large sprays of showy rose-pink flowers during the summer and fall. The vine is not hardy and will freeze back to the ground during most winters. It should be handled as if it were a herbaceous perennial. Mulching the roots and underground tubers provides protection for the plant in areas where temperatures drop much below 25° F. Queen’s wreath climbs on wire, lattice, or fence support by means of tendrils. It is an excellent, attractive vine for the hot, dry areas of southern New Mexico.  petrea volubilis-purple wreath, queens-wreath

Bean, Scarlet Runner -- Phaseolus coccineus L. Other names are scarlet conqueror, fire bean, mammoth, red giant, scarlet emperor, and white Dutch runner.  Flowering beans of little commercial importance in the United States. Like others in the runner group, scarlet runner is planted mostly as an ornamental because of its rapid growth and abundance of large, brightly colored flowers. It has been reported to climb up ground-based television antennas, as well as other structures such as fences,   The large vigorously climbing plant reaches 12-15 feet. The leaves are dark green. The underside veins are tinged with purple. Bean-like flowers are scarlet, large (1 inch wide) and have about 20 flowers on each flower stalk. Dark green pods possess fair quality, but are somewhat brittle and stringy, with firm coarse flesh. Their size ranges from medium long to very long. Mature pods are broad and stout. Lima bean shaped seeds have a scar that is large, white, flattened, and somewhat incurved. Seed color varies from shining black to violet-black mottled with deep red (oxblood to carmine). Another variety similar to scarlet runner is butterfly. It has white and orange bicolored flowers. Seeds are grayish olive, mottled with salmon. A russet brown eye ring surrounds the seed scar. Both the pods and the green shelled beans are edible in the fresh stage and are sometimes substituted for lima beans. The root is often eaten by Central America Indians.

Polygonum auberti. Silver Lace Vine. A fast growing deciduous to semi-evergreen vine, the silver lace vine climbs by twining its stems around the supporting structure. It produces dense foliage of heart-shaped, bright-green leaves, 1½ to 2 inches long. Small, creamy-white flowers are produced in late spring and early summer. The vine is hardy in most areas of the state, but should winter injury occur, re-growth from the crown will flower in the fall. The species is useful where a fast-growing screen is desired on a trellis, lattice, or fence. Silver lace vine (Polygonum auberti) provides a long period of bloom in the spring and summer months. Silver Lace Vine - Polygonum auberti

Rosa banksiae. Banks Rose. Climbing roses are often treated as vines, although they have no means of attaching themselves to a supporting structure. They are frequently grown on trellises, fences, and walls, but they must be fastened in some manner if they are to remain erect. Several species and numerous varieties are classified as climbing roses. The Banks rose is a trouble-free, nearly thornless species that grows at a moderate rate and is often used as a vine. The foliage is a shiny, dark green with three to five leaflets. Small white flowers are borne in profusion in late spring to early summer. The species is excellent for use on arbors and trellises. The R. banksiae lutea, Bank’s yellow rose, is a more vigorous vine with small, double, yellow flowers.  Med. Climate Gardening - Rosa banksiae

Tecomaria capensis. Cape Honeysuckle. A rapidly growing, semi-climbing shrub, this species is not related to the true honeysuckle. Cape honeysuckle is not hardy in New Mexico, and its use is limited to enclosed patios or well-protected places where temperatures never reach freezing. Bright, orange-red, trumpet-shaped flowers appear in the fall. This plant grows well in partial shade, but it prefers full sun.  Floridata: Tecomaria capensis

Wisteria sinensis,. Chinese Wisteria. This is a woody, deciduous vine of moderate growth rate. Its leaves are large and compound, and it bears attractive violet-blue flowers in dense pendulous racemes in late March or early April before the leaves are fully developed. Wisteria must be provided with a strong supporting structure because of its heavy vine growth. It is a versatile plant and can be trained to a tree or shrub form if desired. Pinching back young shoots results in more profuse bloom. Best performance will be obtained when planted in full sun. It is often used as a cover on pergolas, trellises, and similar structures. Growing Wisteria,