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Blackwelder: Twining vines are hot

Friday, April 01, 2011 12:00 AM | Printer friendly version | E-mail to a friend |

A climbing black-eyed susan. Photo by Darrell Blackwelder, for the Salisbury Post.

This variety of clematis is very popular in the area. Photo by Darrell Blackwelder, for the Salisbury Post.

Clematis is a popular climbing vine. Photo by Darrell Blackwelder, for the Salisbury Post.

Climbing hydrangea brightens a wall. Photo by Darrell Blackwelder, for the Salisbury Post.

Yellow jassamine. Photo by Darrell Blackwelder, for the Salisbury Post.

SALISBURY — Multiple uses make vines one of the most popular sellers at retail outlets and garden centers.

Arbors and trellises are hot sellers, providing a backdrop for twining plants.

Vines are particularly interesting because they provide a splash of color or texture for out-of-the-ordinary places, softening hard lines on corners or adding interest to boring fences.

Pay particular attention to growth habits of selected vines. Many will need extra support and seasonal pruning. Others are deciduous and will not look their best in the fall and winter months.

Vines that have showy flowers or fruits need to be located in an area that has full sunlight or sunlight for most of the day. Very few vines do well in areas of dense shade. Like other landscape plant materials, vines thrive in well-drained, rich soils.

Mailboxes are a popular location which seems to be the first area to locate vines, especially climatis. Years ago, hybrid clematis was the standard for mailboxes and other areas. However, many other types have shown promise over the past few years and are gradually being integrated into the landscape. Listed in the chart at right are vines that continue to gain in popularity and should be considered in the landscape.

Darrell Blackwelder is the County Extension Director with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. See more on Facebook or www.rowanextension.com

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