By Nikki Phipps

Flowering vines make attractive, colorful accents to gardens. Flowering vines make especially intriguing specimens for exotic gardening, adding both color and character. Vines are not complicated to grow or maintain; yet, if not properly cared for, they can grow beyond their boundaries, overtaking the garden. Therefore, in order to avoid having these spirited plants turn into annoying pests, you’ll want to become familiar with and practice proper care and maintenance. In doing so, even the most aggressive flowering vine can become a beautifully exotic addition in the garden.

Before choosing vines for the garden, consider their purpose. Flowering vines serve many purposes in a garden, but most people simply enjoy their beauty. On the other hand, vines can add height, maximizing the vertical space within a garden. You should also consider the soil conditions within your garden and factors like humidity, air temperature, and light to avoid any problems that may arise later. Choose vines that are suitable to your particular hardiness area as well as those that meet the specifications for your site’s conditions.

Typically, vines are tolerant of a variety of soil types; however, moist, well-drained soil is preferable to the majority. The amount of light is important, not enough can reduce flowering. Most flowering vines require at least six full hours of sunlight. Flowering vines will also require watering. The key to proper water management, however, is to water deeply. Avoid watering flowering vines too often as this can stress or even kill the vine. Instead, allow the soil to dry out in between watering intervals. Trimming in late winter or early spring is imperative and should be done in order to help keep flowering vines within their boundaries as well as to encourage ongoing health.

Not all flowering vines are alike. There are annual and perennial vines, herbaceous and woody vines, and deciduous and evergreen vines. Vines also climb and spread in various ways. Twining vines have flexible stems that wrap or twine around an object. They also twist and turn into the path of other plants, where they wrap around them. These vines include morning glory and jasmine. Clinging vines attach to surfaces with suckers or hooks, grabbing onto objects for support and adhering quite easily to walls. Virginia creeper and ivy are good examples. Tendril vines have threadlike tendrils that twist around nearby objects and include clematis, passion flower, and sweet pea. Leaning vines sprawl over objects with long stems but require tying or weaving to keep them in place. Climbing roses are the most common.

Most flowering vines require some type of support in order to fully flourish so you should provide them with a fence, trellis, pole, etc. to satisfy their basic need to climb. Heavier vines, like trumpet vine and Dutchman’s pipe, require a sturdy structure, such as a pergola or iron arbor, which can withstand their weight.

Most flowering vines, however, are suitable for smaller structures such as trellises, fences, and posts. Keep in mind, however, that each vine’s climbing abilities is crucial to not only the type of support structure you provide but also for proper training. Twining or tendril climbers will enjoy wrapping around a trellis, lattice, chain-link fence, or a mesh-covered pole. Leaning varieties will need to be secured with twine or panty hose to a suitable structure such as a trellis or post. They can also be weaved into fencing, following the direction in which you want the vine to go. Clinging vines can be tied to a post, tree, or arbor. These can also adhere to walls, buildings, stone, or brick. Try to avoid growing flowering vines on the house or other outside structure, such as a shed. Aggressive varieties can cause damage.

Flowering vines can be grown in hanging baskets as well. This works especially well for smaller garden areas and is a great way to take advantage of vertical space. Flowering vines can also be grown in containers. Place them in window boxes or set them on decks, patios, and balconies. No matter what size the garden space, there are a variety of ways to use flowering vines for that exotic touch. But regardless of how you use them in your garden, flowering vines should always be carefully researched in order to choose the proper growing habits for your needs.