Go Vertical with Vines

Grow vertical in your landscape by adding some flowering vines to screen bad views, soften walls and structures, divide areas in the landscape, and even conserve energy.

In the garden, train vines onto obelisks, trellises, and other supports to create a vertical accent. This hops (Humulus lupulus) is a twining vine that wraps around the support and the obelisk provides year round color in the garden.

The clematis climbing over the arbor creates a welcoming passageway between these two garden spaces.

Some vines like the climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris) and Euonymus attach by root-like holdfasts. Only use these on masonry or wooden supports.

Next to the house, always use support that allows airflow between the vine and siding, reducing the risk of rot and mold. And add a bit of vertical interest to your patio, deck or balcony by growing vines in containers.

A bit more information: Mix annual and perennial vines on the same support for quicker coverage and long-term benefits. The annual vine covers the support with foliage and flowers the first season, while the perennial vine gets established. Continue this combination to double the flowering impact on trellises and arbors.