Vines and Climbers: Easy Vertical Interest in the Garden        
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"Plant complementary vines close together for attractive color."
Climbers and vines are the unsung heroes of the landscape, adding vertical dimension as they scramble for the sky. Some grow rapidly; morning glory (Ipomoea), can reach a height of 10 feet in as little as 8 weeks. Vines and climbers don’t necessarily have to grow up, though. Many are just as effective when incorporated into hanging baskets and window boxes, adding trailing interest.

Planting tips
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Vines like morning glory can reach a height of 10 feet in one season.
Amend the soil
  • To ensure healthy growth, give vines an enriched starting point. A specialty soil like one from Miracle-Gro, offering a rich blend of organic materials, can coax just about any vine to almost twice it’s reach.
  • Adding composts like those from Scotts Nature Scapes made from 100 percent natural forest products, will help to naturally prevent weeds and erosion.
Choose the right spot
  • If training a vine up a tree or wall, position the plant about 18 inches away from the base of the support. This ensures the vine will get enough rainwater.
  • Be sure to match the needs of the vine or climber with the size, strength and position of the support. Beyond noting the plant’s light and soil needs, pay special attention to how large and heavy the plant will ultimately grow. Growing a rambling rose over a delicate trellis or elderly tree may seem like a great idea but the result may not be so picturesque if it pulls down branches or topples a structure from its sheer weight.
Annual vines
  • Annual vines, like morning glory, last one growing season, so you can change flower types and colors each year. They tend to grow vigorously, and once they begin to flower they usually continue to do so until frost. They’re often lighter than perennial vines, so the support structures don’t have to be quite as robust. To get started, visit our annuals project for more information.
Perennial vines
  • Perennial vines, like honeysuckle, may take a year or 2 to reach the flowering stage and most have a distinct blooming period of several weeks to a month. Woody vines, such as wisteria, will need very sturdy supports.
  • Most perennials will also need diligent pruning to maximize flower production and, in the case of rampant growers, keep them under control. For privacy, try perennial evergreen vines.

Mix and match
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Roses over an arbor are a great welcoming touch.
Plant complementary vines close together for attractive color combinations and a longer flowering season—clematis and roses make good trellis partners. For additional options, see suggestions below. When planting perennial vines that take a few years to establish, consider pairing them with annuals such as morning glory to provide coverage until the perennial catches up.

Choose your support
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Be sure to have the proper support for your vertical garden.
Support systems not only allow vines to reach for the sun, they enhance air circulation, which helps to minimize disease problems. You’ll find a wide variety of support options in-store. Here’s a brief list of ideas:
  • Wire or wooden latticework—excellent for maximizing a large wall or fence
  • A trellis or arbor—can block unsightly views and provide privacy. Check out the step-by-step guide on how to train a vine over an arbor for more information.
  • A tree or bush—vines can add extra texture and color.
  • A fence or wall—vines can help keep your home cool in summer months, saving money on energy bills.

Planting ideas for six common vines:
 
Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera)
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Region
Perennial, hardy in zones 4 to 9
Support
Twines up any vertical support with ease, even a single wire
Companion plants
- Clematis
- Japanese pieris

Boston ivy (Parthenocissus)
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Region
Perennial, hardy in zones 4 to 8
Support
Walls, a building, latticework, tree
Companion plants
- Burning bush (Euonymus)
- Viburnum

Morning glories (Ipomoea)
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Region
Annual, plant in all zones after last frost date
Support
Twines up any vertical support with ease, grows well with a bush
Companion plants
- Azalea
- Burning bush
(Euonymus)

Wisteria
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Region
Perennial, hardy in zones 5 to 9
Support
Twine up a tree or train on a support
Companion plants
- Arborvitae (Thuja)
- Hydrangea

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus)
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Region
Perennial, hardy in zones 4 to 9
Support
Walls, building, latticework, fences
Companion plants
- Burning bush (Euonymus)
- Viburnum

Black-eyed Susan (Thunbergia alata)
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Region
Annual, plant in all zones after last frost date
Support
Closely spaced support, lattice or mesh
Companion plants
- Fountain grass (Pennisetum)
- Salvia

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Trellises

  • Using a functional and decorative trellis will add height and dimension to your garden, creating a point of interest, and allowing plants to grow to their full potential.
  • Trellises come in a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl and wrought iron, and can be purchased in-store for a quick and easy fix.
  • The Home Depot offers affordable options for creative do-it-yourselfers, including bamboo stakes, or even combining mesh wire and screw eyes.
May. 08, 2010 10:51AM
Elaine, You may not be doing anything wrong. Some Wisterias take up to 7 years to bloom. A few will not bloom at all because of poor genetic heritage. Some things that will help are to make sure that you're not cutting off all the horizontal flowering spurs (the ones with big, fat buds) and if you've been fertilizing, stop.
May. 07, 2010 10:30PM
I have my wisteria climbing up my old clothes line and I prune it in February. It was planted 5 yrs. ago and still has not had any flowers. What am I doing wrong? Elaine
Apr. 16, 2010 08:06AM
Ann, It depends on what climate zone you're in. In much of the east and upper south, Rhododendrons and Azaleas are lovely and tolerate some shade. Check with your local Home Depot Certified Nursery Consultant for plants that will do well in your area.
Apr. 16, 2010 12:51AM
What are good choices of shrubs or small trees or bushes that look good against a six foot mostly SHADEY fence? Ann
Apr. 06, 2010 12:18PM
Patricia, I grow several Roses in containers. Also Clematis and Trumpet Honeysuckle, and annual vines such as Moonflower and Purple Hyacinth Bean Vine.
Jan. 24, 2010 03:19PM
Hello, I want to know what plants can I use to cover an ugly fence. It needs to be in a big pot since there is concrete in that area. Thanks
Jun. 23, 2009 04:15PM
@ Linda Thanks for your comment. One thing to keep in mind is that you'll have to keep the roses well trimmed, so the thorns don't harm people walking through the gate. Roses should grow well as long as you can provide them with adequate irrigation.
Jun. 23, 2009 04:00PM
@ Cheryl Plant fast-growing annual vines each spring to cover the fence by midsummer. Morning glories and cypress vine are the least expensive options. You can also try a perennial vine, such as coral honeysuckle, making sure it's hardy in your region. In warmer parts of the country there are some evergreen vines which would hide the fence year-round. Visit The Home Depot for a variety of options.
Jun. 19, 2009 10:34PM
I am putting a wrough iron trellis, with gates, I was thinking of climbing roses on both sides. how long will it take to get results, or in this region of arizona is there something else that would grow and stay alive during the winter, we get cold weather and sometimes snow. thank you
Jun. 19, 2009 07:40AM
I want to cover a back fence that is 8' high and 40' long. Fence is sturdy but want to cover it until I can afford a maintenance free fence. The fence is for the most part direct sun light. What would you suggest I plant that will give me color and coverage.
Jun. 12, 2009 04:46PM
@ Michaelle Soapy water will help get rid of aphids and other soft bodied insects. For Japanese beetles and other larger insects, you’ll have to handpick them in the morning when they are still sluggish and drop them into a pail of soapy water. Spraying Spectracide Immunox Plus Insect Plus Disease Control will also help, available at The Home Depot.
Jun. 10, 2009 11:16AM
how do you get your roses to grow my roses are not doing any thing. i have been useing soap and water to kill the bugs i have to i dont have the money right now, thats why i am asking whats the cheapest way to get rid of bugs and get them to grow. thank you michaelle
Jun. 08, 2009 02:38PM
@ Nancy Thanks for your comment. Check your local The Home Depot for availability.
Jun. 08, 2009 02:14PM
@ Maureen Thanks for your comment. They may not be getting adequate water, or the roots don't have enough room to grow to maintain that all the top growth. Plants under stress often produce lots of flowers (and seed), putting what energy they have into reproduction. Water the pots thoroughly every few days and apply a half-strength solution of fertilizer from Miracle-Gro weekly.
Jun. 05, 2009 01:33PM
remember growing up mom had a gazebo in the back yard and it was covered with morining glorys, what i miss the most i think is lillies of the valleys. can't seem to be able to find them to put around my place so if any one knowes where they can be found let me no. love to set in the gaz. and smell all of the flowers.
Jun. 04, 2009 08:36PM
I'm growing morning glories on either side of my swing. They are in pots and grow up trellises attached to the sides and top of the swing. My problem is there are plenty of beautiful flowers but the foliage has been dying down. The ones I'm growing along my fence are doing great, flowers and foliage. Should I feftilize? They are in full sun.
Jun. 04, 2009 10:17AM
@ Denise Thanks for your comment. The plant will probably survive the move, but to help it along you might cut back the top a bit, so the smaller root system doesn't have as much top growth to support. Once it's in its new home you might want to plant it directly in the ground or move it into a larger pot. A wide selection of planters are available in-store from brands such as Pacific Casual.
Jun. 03, 2009 04:34PM
I have a Passion Vine that is in a pot and it has grown through the pot(roots) and is growing in full force everywhere. I am moving , and was wondering if I can take it with me some how. Will I kill it if I pull the pot up and the long roots break?
Jun. 03, 2009 12:53PM
@ Wendy If they're growing lots of healthy foliage but have no flowers it's possible they're receiving too much nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. This is a common problem when plants are surrounded by lawns that receive regular fertilizing, since lawn fertilizers contain large amounts of nitrogen.
Jun. 02, 2009 09:02AM
@ Kathey Thanks for your comment. It's possible that it could need some rejuvenation pruning, or perhaps needs some fertilizer. Or, maybe trees and shrubs nearby have grown so much that they crowd or shade it.
Jun. 02, 2009 08:56AM
@ Hector Thanks for your comment. Look for evergreen shrubs that could be kept trimmed to fit the area yet provide some year-round privacy. Visit your plant library: http://thehomedepot.jhc.com/ to find shrubs that are hardy in your region and will work well with your weather conditions.
Jun. 01, 2009 05:39PM
I planted some miniature or dwarf hydranges several years ago and they have never bloomed. They're under the shade of a mature bald cypress tree. I water and mulch them well. ???
May. 29, 2009 09:05PM
i live in central florida and am noticing my jasmine is looking patchy...why is that? it is mature jasmine about 10 years old. does it ever get old and need to be removed?
May. 29, 2009 10:27AM
We have nosey neighbors that like to peek through the gaps of our wood fence. My problem is we have an area about 2 feet away from the fence line, where we have our dogs,what could I put in that area that would vine along the fence and give privacy(10 ft long x 2ft wide)and not harmfull to pets if picked at.
May. 25, 2009 09:47AM
Thanks for your comment. They would be okay to pair together, however bougainvillea grows quite large and might overtake the jasmine. Look for bougainvillea varieties that remain relatively compact. Visit your local The Home Depot for a wide selection of vines and climbers.
May. 22, 2009 04:29PM
@ JoAnn Thanks for your comment. Wisteria grows well in full sun to light shade in well-drained, deep, moist soil. For a complete wisteria care guide, read: http://www.homedepotgardenclub.com/GardeningTools/PlantCare.aspx?pcid=2105
May. 22, 2009 04:00PM
I live in Sothe Florida. I have in mind to plant tow different plants along a long fence in my yard. One for fragrance (jasmine) and one for color (bouganvillia (sp)); are they compatible? do the y grow at about the samerate. anyother suggestions for getting this combination (color, fragrance and privacy) if these two won't work out together.
May. 21, 2009 01:05PM
Any advice on how to get my wisteria tree to bloom.
May. 19, 2009 03:32PM
@ Alyssa Thanks for your comment. For planting and care requirements for Boston Ivy, visit our plant library: http://thehomedepot.jhc.com/
May. 17, 2009 05:18PM
My husband ordered some Boston Ivy seeds online. We don't have instructions to them so I was wondering how to start them. Do the seeds need to be started indoors in pots? Or can they just be planted right outdoors? Also what is the rule of thumb on how far apart? Thank you!
May. 13, 2009 10:50AM
@ Leiza It's best to mulch after seedlings have sprouted and are growing strong. Some of the seeds you planted may sprout through the mulch, but smaller seeds won't have the reserves to grow through the mulch. If you just planted the seeds, pull back the mulch. If you planted them more than a few days ago, leave it and see what grows; otherwise you might damage any seedlings that have emerged.
May. 11, 2009 09:30PM
I planted various flowers from seeds. Stirred up the soil and planted them at the accurate depth written on the package - Zinnias, painted daisies and flowers to attract butterflies. Will they still grow through the mulch I covered them with?
Apr. 20, 2009 04:59PM
@ Richard Clematis is a climbing vine that requires 6 or more hours of sun to thrive, is hardy in zones 4–11 and should be pruned in spring.
Apr. 20, 2009 04:57PM
@ Renee Thanks for your feedback. We are glad to know you're enjoying the Garden Club.
Apr. 20, 2009 02:13PM
do you know anything about clematis vines
Apr. 18, 2009 03:17PM
I have approximately 400 lilie plants. They are the easiest perennial to grow and handle. I plant these among my other flowers and vegetable garden and they do great.
Apr. 18, 2009 09:50AM
So it sounds like it is best to plant morning glories in a pot. I think I will do that! I so enjoy Home Depot's Gardening Page. Thanks! Renee Eastern WA state [the banana belt--NOT Seattle or Spokane!]
Apr. 15, 2009 03:17PM
@ Marcie It sounds like they're in the proper location, so make sure soil remains consistently moist. If soil is very heavy or sandy that could be the cause of the stunting. You can have a soil test done to see if the pH or nutrient levels are way off. You can also try applying a moderate dose of fertilizer , but don't apply more than the label instructs and be sure to dilute it properly.
Apr. 07, 2009 02:02PM
I planted morning glories 10 years ago and they still come back every year. They also tend to wrap around all other plants and anything else in there path. I live in zone 6 where they are suppose to be annuals but not true. I find that if you really love them, plant them in a pot be it hanging or on the ground. Angie-NJ
Apr. 06, 2009 10:24PM
My vines are not growing - after 4 years they are still quite small and scraggly. I have clematis in 2 colors - 1 in full sun with daylilies at the base for shade, the other in part shade. Help! I want my fence to be covered so my autistic son doesn't see all the things on the other side (he'll climb out) and I heard these were fast growing, but not for me.! Marcie in Minneapolis
Mar. 20, 2009 01:31PM
Use caution if you decide to plant morning glories as a temporary solution - all those gorgeous blooms mean lots of morning glory seeds everywhere! I planted them in an unused patch of my herb garden six years ago and went out daily to pick seed pods, but six years later, I still get a bumper crop of morning glory sprouts.
 
 
 
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