Some Flowering Vines for your Garden
by Debbie Falton
Polk County Master Gardener
Flowering vines are a great way to cover an unattractive fence or pole. They can provide shade and
privacy when used to cover an arbor or trellis. There are a wide variety of flowering vines available that
grow vigorously in our area.
When choosing flowering vines it is good to know some of their
characteristics. Most flowering vines grow best in full sunlight or partial
shade. Soil with good drainage is important. Fall and winter are the best
times to plant vines. This allows the plants to develop a good root
system and become established before spring when the top growth
really takes off. Be sure to keep new plants well watered since winters
are often dry. A layer of mulch will help hold in moisture. Fertilizer can
be applied at several intervals throughout the year after top growth
begins. One pound of 12-4-8 per 100 sq. ft. of planting area is
recommended for most vines .Flowering vines should be pruned only
after blooming. Later pruning could damage new buds.
Bougainville
I’ve described some vines that are easy to grow in our area that you might want to consider. Local
nurseries have many more varieties available. Be sure and check the plant labels carefully. Some vines
sold do not tolerate the cold weather conditions we have experienced these past few years and do
better in more southern regions.
Bougainvillea is a vigorous scrambling vine. There are many flower colors to choose from. White, pink,
salmon, crimson, magenta, and purple are all readily available. This vine thrives in full sun and warm
temperatures. You can prune them heavily or let them grow freely. Bougainvillea can be killed by hard
frost . It probably will need to be covered to protect it from the freezing temperatures that we have
been experiencing these past few years.
Painted Trumpet Vine is one of the hardiest flowering
climbers. Their flowers are lavender with deep purple insides.
They flower freely in April and May. Their growth starts out
slowly but soon becomes more vigorous. Its dense growth
pattern makes it a good choice to cover fences, arbors and
trellises.
Confederate Jasmine has pure white fragrant flowers that
bloom in April and May. It’s waxy, dark green leaves are
attractive. It is a strong growing vine that twines up poles and
Trumpet or Coral Honeysuckle
arbors quickly. Carolina Jasmine is another type of Jasmine that has yellow flowers and blooms freely in
winter.
is a Florida native vine. It has reddish tubular flowers that Hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to.
It flowers at intervals throughout the spring and summer. Japanese Honeysuckle is another type of
honeysuckle with fragrant white flowers. It has a denser growth habit that the Trumpet Honeysuckle.
You may want to consider growing some annual vines. Although
these vines will not be permanent part of your landscape, they
do have attractive flowers. Black-eyed Susan Vine, Canary Vine,
Cardinal Flower, Moon vine, and Morning Glory are some annual
vines you could grow once the warmer weather arrives.
Passionflower – another native vine
Some vines listed may need to be trained once they start
climbing. Small pieces of string or ties can help them on their
way. Most vines are not bothered by diseases or insects. Once
established they can add vertical interest and color to your
landscape.