Annual Vines for Trellises and Arbors
Annual Vines for Trellises and Arbors
Are you looking for a fun garden project this year? If so, you may want to try growing a colorful annual vine on an arbor or trellis. Annual vines add a vertical element to the garden and are sure to become an instant conversation piece. Though they do not typically survive our winters, annual vines are grown for their amazing colors and often fragrant blooms. The annual vines that we grow here at Fairview are in bloom from spring until fall, just to eliminate any confusion on when your plant is going to bloom. Below is a list of annual vines currently grown at Fairview.
Bleeding Heart (Clerodendrom thomsoniae)
This stunning vine has white, heart-shaped flowers with red centers giving it the name bleeding heart. It has the potential to reach 10-12 feet and grows best in full sun to partial shade conditions.
Candy Corn Vine/ Firecracker Vine (Manettia luteorubra)
This vine is a true winner. Their blooms do in fact look like pieces of candy corn, making it a showstopper in any garden. It can grow anywhere from 6-12 feet and actually enjoys partial shade. So, if you have a shady spot that only gets a few hours of sun, then this may be a great plant for you.
Moon Vine (Ipomoea alba)
Unlike it’s sister plant (Morning Glory) the moon vine opens it’s blooms in the evening rather that in the morning. Imagine coming home at the end of your workday only to be welcomed by a brilliant white flwoer that opens just as you arrive. Growing 8-10 feet, be sure to plant this gem in full sun and it will eb sure to delight the eye every evening.
Morning Glory Vine (Ipomoea sp.)
This vine is a garden classic. As it’s name implies, its blooms open in the morning and close as the day progresses. It typically grows 8-14 feet and is an absolute stunner when it is in full bloom. They can come in many colors, but purplish hues are typically grown for their amazing appearance. This beauty is a rapid grower and enjoys being planted in full sun.
Potato Vine (Solanum laxum)
No this vine does not produce edible potatoes, but it does produce continuous flushes of light purple flowers. These flowers grow in clusters making it stand out in a crowd of plants. The potato vine will grow 15-20 feet and can take partial shade to full sun. Another fantastic attribute, aside from the fact that it blooms from spring to fall, is that it is actually a perennial here in the Piedmont region.
Senecio Daisy Vine (Pseudogynoxys cumingii)
If you are a fan of daisies then you will enjoy this one. With vibrant orange daisy flowers, this vine is sure to please spring, summer and fall. Growing 5-12 feet, the senecio daisy needs to be planted in full sun. Given the correct growing conditions, this daisy vine will give you several months of satisfaction.
Thunbergia Vine (Thunbergia grandiflora)
This vine has a stunning five-lobed flower that is light violet in color. Blooming from early summer to fall, it reaches 15-20 feet in length and grows best in partial shade to sun. Because of it’s vigorous growth, it is a perfect plant for covering an arbor or even a gazebo.
Mandevilla
This vine is one of the most hardy, stunning vines around! It features 2”-4” trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white or red. This quick-growing vine is treated as an annual in the greater Raleigh-area and loves full sun and the heat! Once it is established, it is really rather drought tolerant. Truly a stunning addition to any yard! Blooms early spring until first frost. Attracts hummingbirds.
Dipladenia
Cousin to the mandevilla, this plant has showy pink, trumpet-shaped flowers with a yellow throat against dark green smooth leaves (which are smaller than the mandevilla). Works better in a container or hanging basket, rather than a trellis, as it has a more compact growth habit (3’ – 4’ H). Much like the mandevilla, this full sun plant is drought tolerant once established. Attracts hummingbirds.
These annual vines can make any garden project feel more complete and certainly adds a finished look to any trellis or arbor. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call or come by and see us. We are always happy to help!
Happy Gardening,
Brian Jennings
Fairview Greenhouses & Garden Center