There are several vines which should interest North Carolina gardeners and landscapers. Vines, when used correctly, can be quite an aesthetic and functional addition to the landscape. Basically, there are three types of vines: those that climb by attaching tendrils to a means of support, those that climb by attaching rootlike arms to a wall, and those that climb by twining. The type of vine which is planted will determine the necessity for a supporting fence, arbor, or wall. Maintenance of both the vine and the structure should also be considered. It would be inadvisable to plant a vine which climbs by tendrils next to a painted wooden wall. When a vine requires moving, it is recommended to cut back severely, replant, and allow the vine to rejuvenate.
Vines may be either evergreen or deciduous, flowering or non-flowering. Vines can bloom in spring, summer, or fall, and add interest in winter as the trunk-stem structural patterns are exposed while other plants become dormant.
Many vines will become perennial landscape additions, especially those planted and allowed to grow on a trellis or an arbor. The structure should get special attention also. Be certain to construct the support structure with weatherproof materials. Use the naturally decay-resistant woods such as red cedar or use treated materials. Brick, iron, or concrete are also acceptable as support structures for vines.
The following gives a partial list of favorite vines available and adaptable to N.C.
BOTANICAL NAME: Akebia quinata 'Shirobana'
COMMON NAME: FIVELEAF AKEBIA
HARDINESS ZONE: 6,7,8
GROUP: E
GROWTH RATE: rapid
EXPOSURE: sun
TEXTURE: medium to fine
FORM: climbs by twining
HEIGHT, SPREAD: 30", indeterminate
LANDSCAPE REMARKS: Very graceful foliage in clusters of five
BOTANICAL NAME: Amelopsis brevipeodunculara 'Elegans'
COMMON NAME: PORCELAIN VINE
HARDINESS ZONE: 6,7,8
GROUP: D
GROWTH RATE: medium
EXPOSURE: sun
TEXTURE: medium
FORM: climbing
HEIGHT, SPREAD: 10-20'
LANDSCAPE REMARKS: Berries change colors, borne in clusters. Very interesting fall display
BOTANICAL NAME: Campsis grandiflora
COMMON NAME: CHINESE TRUMPETVINE
HARDINESS ZONE: 6,7,8
GROUP: D
GROWTH RATE: rapid
EXPOSURE: sun
TEXTURE: coarse
FORM: climbing
HEIGHT, SPREAD: 30'+
LANDSCAPE REMARKS: Beautiful throughout the summer. Large orange blossoms
BOTANICAL NAME: Clematis hybrida
COMMON NAME: LARGE FLOWERED CLEMATIS
HARDINESS ZONE: 6,7,8
GROUP: D
GROWTH RATE: moderate
EXPOSURE: sun for flowers-roots-shade
TEXTURE: medium to fine
FORM: climbing
HEIGHT, SPREAD: 5-20"
LANDSCAPE REMARKS: Weak climber, good tortain best in zones 6-7
BOTANICAL NAME: Euonymus fortunei
COMMON NAME: WINTERCREEPER
HARDINESS ZONE: 6,7,8
GROUP: E
GROWTH RATE: moderate
EXPOSURE: sun or shade
TEXTURE: medium
FORM: climbing spreading
HEIGHT, SPREAD: 3-6'
LANDSCAPE REMARKS: Several varieties. Excellent low groundcover
BOTANICAL NAME: Fatshedera lizei
COMMON NAME: BUSHIVY
HARDINESS ZONE: 7,8
GROUP: E
GROWTH RATE: rapid
EXPOSURE: shade to part shade
TEXTURE: coarse
FORM: climbing
HEIGHT, SPREAD: 10"
LANDSCAPE REMARKS: Very tolerant to adverse conditions, good in planters
BOTANICAL NAME: Ficus pumila
COMMON NAME: CLIMBING FIG
HARDINESS ZONE: 8
GROUP: E
GROWTH RATE: rapid
EXPOSURE: shade to part shade
TEXTURE: fine to medium
FORM: climbing
HEIGHT, SPREAD: 30"
LANDSCAPE REMARKS: Good climber. Avoid planting zones 6-7
BOTANICAL NAME: Gelsemium sempervirens
COMMON NAME: CAROLINA JESSAMINE
HARDINESS ZONE: 6,7,8
GROUP: E
GROWTH RATE: moderate to rapid
EXPOSURE: sun or shade
TEXTURE: fine
FORM: twining vine
HEIGHT, SPREAD: 20'
LANDSCAPE REMARKS: Excellent climber. Good screening plant
BOTANICAL NAME: Hedera helix
COMMON NAME: ENGLISH IVY
HARDINESS ZONE: 6,7,8
GROUP: E
GROWTH RATE: moderate to rapid
EXPOSURE: part shade to shade
TEXTURE: medium to coarse
FORM: climbing spreading
HEIGHT, SPREAD: 50+
LANDSCAPE REMARKS: Many varieties. Very hardy
BOTANICAL NAME: Lonicera japonica halliana
COMMON NAME: HALLS JAPANESE HONEYSUCKLE
HARDINESS ZONE: 6,7,8
GROUP: E
GROWTH RATE: rapid
EXPOSURE: sun to shade
TEXTURE: medium
FORM: twining
HEIGHT, SPREAD: 30"
LANDSCAPE REMARKS: White, fragrant flowers. Can become noxiousweed if not controlled
BOTANICAL NAME: Lonicera sempervirens
COMMON NAME: TRUMPET HONEYSUCKLE
HARDINESS ZONE: 6,7,8
GROUP: E
GROWTH RATE: rapid
EXPOSURE: sun to shade
TEXTURE: medium
FORM: twining
HEIGHT, SPREAD: 50'+
LANDSCAPE REMARKS: White fragrant flowers. Can become noxious weed if not controlled.
BOTANICAL NAME: Parthenocissus quinquefolia
COMMON NAME: VIRGINIA CREEPER
HARDINESS ZONE: 6,7,8
GROUP: D
GROWTH RATE: rapid
EXPOSURE: sun to part shade
TEXTURE: coarse
FORM: climbs by tendrils
HEIGHT, SPREAD: 10-20'
LANDSCAPE REMARKS: Requires support. Excellent fall color
BOTANICAL NAME: Parthenocissus tricuspidata
COMMON NAME: BOSTON IVY
HARDINESS ZONE: 6,7,8
GROUP: D
GROWTH RATE: rapid
EXPOSURE: part shade
TEXTURE: coarse
FORM: climbs by tendrils
HEIGHT, SPREAD: 30"
LANDSCAPE REMARKS: Excellent on masonry walls. Withstands adverse conditions
BOTANICAL NAME: Rosa banksiae
COMMON NAME: BANKS ROSE
HARDINESS ZONE: 7,8
GROUP: E
GROWTH RATE: rapid
EXPOSURE: sun
TEXTURE: fine
FORM: climbing
HEIGHT, SPREAD: 10-15'
LANDSCAPE REMARKS: Requires support for climbing
BOTANICAL NAME: Smilax lanceolata
COMMON NAME: SMILAX
HARDINESS ZONE: 6,7,8
GROUP: E
GROWTH RATE: rapid
EXPOSURE: sun or shade
TEXTURE: medium
FORM: climbs by tendrils
HEIGHT, SPREAD: 30'+
LANDSCAPE REMARKS: Bright green color for cutting. Excellent screen on trellises
BOTANICAL NAME: Trachelosperum jasminoides
COMMON NAME: CONFEDERATE JASMINE or STAR JASMINE
HARDINESS ZONE: 7,8
GROUP: E
GROWTH RATE: rapid
EXPOSURE: partial shade
TEXTURE: medium
FORM: climbing
HEIGHT, SPREAD: 10-15
LANDSCAPE REMARKS: Good foliage. White fragrant flowers in spring
BOTANICAL NAME: Wisteria sinensis
COMMON NAME: CHINESE WISTERIA
HARDINESS ZONE: 6,7,8
GROUP: D
GROWTH RATE: rapid
EXPOSURE: sun
TEXTURE: medium
FORM: climbs by twisting
HEIGHT, SPREAD: 30'+
LANDSCAPE REMARKS: Very fragrant but growth can girdle trees
Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 andJune 30, 1914. Employment and program opportunities are offered toall people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, ordisability. North Carolina State University at Raleigh, NorthCarolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture,and local governments cooperating.