THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 19, 1994 TAG: 9406230535
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROBERT STIFFLER, GARDENING COLUMNIST
DATELINE: 940619 LENGTH: Long
These climbers of the garden are easy to raise in containers or the ground. Train them on a trellis or wall. Practically all they need are some sunshine, good drainage and, in hot weather, daily waterings.
{REST} When using containers, fill with a mix of one-third humus (peat moss, bark or compost), one third garden soil and one third sand. Or buy a special lightweight potting mix for container plants.
After that, the sky's the limit. Here's a list of easy-to-grow vines to choose from:
Akebia. Sometimes called ``chocolate vine'' because its flowers are chocolate-colored. It is a vigorous semi-evergreen and will grow in partial shade on a trellis or wall. It might be hard to find, but its beautiful flowers and unusual fruits are worth the search.
Wisteria. This old favorite is vigorous and beautiful. In blue, white and lavender, it often is fragrant. Don't let it grow up your trees unless you have sturdy oaks; wisteria can choke a weak tree, or even support dead one. Some wisteria don't bloom for years. When you buy, ask the age of the plant and when it will bloom.
Carolina jessamine. This native vine is evergreen. In late spring it is covered with yellow flowers that release a unique fragrance. Many gardeners consider its fragrance among the most pleasing. Unfortunately, as this popular vine ages, it loses its foliage at the bottom and can look ratty. Let it climb over the top of a native holly tree, and its blooms will form a beautiful carpet of gold. Be aware that every bloom that drops contains a seed that will germinate into a seedling next spring.
Confederate jasmine. Fragrant, with a gray-white bloom, it might be hard to find.
Star jasmine from Monrovia. This white-blooming jasmine may be sold under different names. It has lustrous green foliage but requires a protected area. Foliage is as beautiful as its blooms; it grows rapidly. This vine is highly recommended for any area protected from freezing winds.
Climbing hydrangea. Everyone wants this plant because it grows so well in England. After losing three, however, I've quit trying. But those who can grow it love it. Its blooms are less showy than common hydrangea, but it can climb to the top of a tree within a few years.
Climbing roses. The best all-time climbers are old ones: red Blaze and pink New Dawn. Lady Banksia is another oldie but goodie. Small yellow blooms cover the fast-growing bush in spring. Once it blooms, it's through for the year. America, an All-America selection from a few years ago, is probably most beautiful. It's a bright salmon-pink, blooms profusely and looks much like a tea rose.
Mandevilla. This tropical plant with deep pink, morning-glory type flowers became popular about 10 years ago. It's ideal on a mailbox, or keep it in a pot because it doesn't like to be moved. A native of Chile, Mandevilla will winter over indoors and can be used year after year. But it won't perform until the weather is hot.
Trumpet vine, Madame Galen variety. This old-fashioned, orange-blooming vine often adorns fences along country roads. In your yard, it will attract hummingbirds. But it can be a pest because you'll soon find young seedlings all over your garden.
Passion flower vine. This old-fashioned vine with exotic purple blooms is back in style. It is so aggressive, it can take over an area. So it isn't recommended for pots. The fruit that follows the bloom is edible.
Clematis. There are many types of clematis, which is known as the queen of vines. Three of the best are clematis Armandii, sweet autumn clematis and clematis Montana.
Clemetis Armandii is evergreen. Foliage consists of long, dark-green leaves. Small white blooms appear in early spring. Foliage is as beautiful as the blooms.
Sweet autumn clematis is a native vine, covered with fragrant white flowers in late summer and fall. Very fast-growing and aggressive, it grows wild throughout Hampton Roads. An excellent vine - if you keep it under control. Good for a fence, but too heavy for a trellis. Cut it back to 2 feet high each year because it blooms on new growth.
Clematis Montana is pink and one of the easiest to grow. It will climb up to 50 feet if given the opportunity. Blooms in spring and does not repeat bloom.
Cypress vine. Listed in some books as a weed, it has fine, fernlike foliage with small red-trumpet shaped flowers that hummingbirds prefer. It will often seed itself down to repeat next year. Plants are difficult to find but it can be grown from seed.
Hyacinth bean. Another showy vine seldom seen in this area, it can be grown from seed. Hyacinth bean quickly covers a fence or trellis and has distinctive purple stems, with large purple-veined green leaves. In bloom, it is covered with spikes of deep violet blossoms that resemble bean or pea flowers. They are followed by show-stopping, shiny, 4-inch pods of royal purple. It loves heat and sun.
These vines are available now in some nurseries, so call ahead or shop around.
Shepherds Garden Seeds in California offers a collection of vines that can be grown from seed. Write: 6116 Highway 9, Felton, Calif. 95018. Or call (408) 335-6910. The catalog costs $1. by CNB