Comments on: Vines – the most demanding plant group?

By: Michele Owens

Michele Owens — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:59:47 +0000

Vines are romantic! Worth the trouble.

That said, my neighbors have bittersweet, which is completely invasive–I’m constantly hacking it out of my yard.

I’ve also planted hardy kiwi–and hope for fruit some year. I have a variegated Virginia creeper starting to climb the clapboard of my house as well as volunteer Boston ivy. I know, I know, climbers on clapboard are a no-no. It will be a big problem for somebody after I’m dead.

I also have a Virginia creeper in the worst spot in my garden, on the alley, made absolutely bone dry and black as night by some giant Norway spruces. Thank goodness for volunteers. I suppose that’s how the Army does it, too–appeals to the self-sacrificing.

By: Jo Ann

Jo Ann — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:35:23 +0000

Recently bought a house here in central florida the fence between me and the neighbors has been taken over by virginia creeper and some other vine that I still need to get I.D.’d . I chopped backed all that I could from my side but the roots originate from theirs. Since this is a war I know I will lose I recently planted a Mandevilla, Sun parasol Crimson in hopes (lol ..trying to fight fire with fire) that it will grow and maybe over take the creeper but so far no growth yet but the darn thing is blooming like crazy (very bright red flowers) I’m thinking that I may have to move it tho because the sun bleaches the flowers as fast as they bloom.

By: Jenn

Jenn — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:44:51 +0000

Oh, and bignonia will bolt. I bought a vine this winter (I’m in Phoenix) and it’s going gangbusters, even as the temps climb and the humidity drops. While in a pot, with erratic watering. Ware!

But it is green and glossy and stays that way all year. In the desert, that’s the green I crave!

By: Jenn

Jenn — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:43:00 +0000

Maybe an annual vine is what you are looking for on the garage. The big flowered moonvines will reseed, yes, both a boon and a bane – but they will cover and you can yank them down every fall.

If it’s a shaded area, you might try the slow growing hydrangea vine – but that one won’t like full sun.

By: rosella

rosella — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:38:03 +0000

Do NOT plant wisteria! Not unless you really like sending large parts of the summer digging out the vines which seem to arrive from nowhere.

My biggest cross to bear is English ivy, which as an innocent young gardener I planted myself. Yesterday I actually paid someone to come in and clear out a big patch of it — paid real money! I never do that, but this was just out of hand. Now it’s gone, and I plan to leave the space bare except for mulch until fall so that I can pull out the leftovers which are lurking

Bignonia sounds lovely, but the bit about “50 feet up a tree” gives me pause.

By: Julie

Julie — Sat, 16 May 2009 03:29:37 +0000

Yes, be careful with the Trumpet vine. These can get carried away. They multiply by the root system and also self seed. Also note that they are poisonous to pets.