As spring approaches summer, many a gardener begins thinking about summer blooming plants like flowering maples (Abutilon), Yarrows (Achillea), Snapdragons (Antirrhinum), Carnations (Dianthus) and Dahlias. This is however a great time to plant summer-blooming vines too. Vines, as a group, are generally one of the easiest plants to grow.
They are incredibly versatile, with their ability to climb or spread along a variety of surfaces (arbors, trellises, fences), and they produce an abundance of flowers, everything from the small, pure white and sweetly fragrant flowers of Sweet Autumn Clematis (C. paniculata) to the colorful and exotic Sea Anemone Passion Flower (Passiflora actinia).
Showy Vines
Clematis
Clematis flowers are among the showiest – and perhaps surprisingly to some the most diverse in color and form – of all the ornamental vines. In hot climates, they want relief from midday sun while in more temperate regions, such as here in the Bay Area, they want a good amount of sun.
'HF Young' has one of the largest flowers in the clematis kingdom, each rich lavender bloom an eye-popping 7" in diameter! A prolific bloomer starting in mid-summer it, like many clematis, attracts a variety of butterflies and hummingbirds to its flowers.
Where this beauty offers a pastel palette, 'Madame Correvon' displays the richest wine-red blooms. A bit smaller and with just 4 petals, it nonetheless is the ultimate focal point in almost any garden.
Clematis 'Polish Spirit' might be considered a sister to 'Madame Correvon', given its saturated purple flowers displayed on 4" petals.
Two other clematis are worth investigating. Sweet Autumn clematis (C. paniculata) is smothered in small white fragrant flowers in the late summer while the intriguing C. 'Rooguchi', the easiest to grow and longest blooming clematis out there, is cherished for its totally cute 2" flaring purple bells.
You may think you know Wisteria, most of which hail from China or Japan, but let me introduce you to an American beauty – W. 'Amethyst Falls.' A fantastic small-scale variety, this American wisteria tops out at only 15-20' and 6' across (if left unpruned).
Want something showy and unique in a hurry? Cape Sweet Pea (Dipogon lignosus) is one of the fastest growing vines in the trade. This South African legume will reach 10' in 2 to 3 months and bloom spring through fall!
If pink and more pink is your thing, Pandorea jasminoides 'Pink Supreme' might be your cup of tea. Fast growing, green and glossy foliage provides the perfect backdrop for a multitude of lovely, 2" flared trumpet, soft pink blooms, each highlighted with a bright cherry throat.
Vines for Screening or Problem Areas
One of the most popular uses for a vine is to provide screening or to cover a problem area. You are looking for a vine that fills in fairly densely and typically one that does so quickly.
P. loefgrenii x caerulea is a mouthful but it produces a thicket of verdant green leaves then come late summer, beautiful purple flowers. This rare vine features reflexed 4" petals, putting the spotlight on the halo of deep purple fringe and the black center.
Passiflora 'Oaklandii' is another cross that does a great job blanketing a fence or trellis. I grew it in my yard, where it flourished with almost no care. It sports huge coral-red flowers that, en masse, look like brightly colored starfish.
That would be especially true for Sea Anemone Passion Flower (Passiflora actinia). Sporting a halo of psychedelic wavy purple fringes, this frost tender passion flower is sure to elicit cries of "What is that?!"
Cup & Saucer Vine (Cobaea scandens) does a similarly fabulous job of blanketing an area in dense foliage. Then, come summer, it produces Alice-in-Wonderland-like flowers – each green flower looking exactly like a cup and saucer.
And just for fun, how about turning farmer and growing a grape? Annie's offers two varieties. Vitis 'Emeryville Pink' is an American type grape, first found growing by the Bay in Emeryville. We've grown it successfully for years and it has become a beloved seasonal snack!
Or if the fruit isn't as important, how about the blazing red-leaved Vitis californica x vinifera 'Roger's Red'? The fruit is a bit seedier but is beloved by local birds and wildlife. Large heart-shaped leaves turn a riotous red in fall, putting on a spectacular show.
Vines for Smaller Spaces
Sometimes you have an area where a rambunctious vine would simply get too big. Fortunately, there are several attractive vines that don't get too big.
Begin with the Moonflower morning glory (Ipomoea alba 'Moonflower'). Enormous (6") white blooms, deliciously fragrant, open in the evening and close before mid-day. A wonderful vine to plant near an outdoor patio or near one's bedroom window.
One of my favorite small vines is the quixotic Exotic Love Vine (Mina lobata). Each inch long flower starts out bright red then, as the flower gets bigger the color ages to orange, yellow and finally white. Magic!
And finally, let me introduce you to the delicate and lovely Snapdragon vine (Asarina scandens 'Joan Lorraine'). This beautiful Mexican vine with white-throated, velvety purple trumpets creates a lush 8-10' high "wall" of emerald green leaves. Attracts hummers!
A Vine for Every Purpose
Whether you want a vine for beauty, to serve some practical purpose or to attract pollinators in your garden, there is an attractive vine for nearly every situation. The hardest task may be choosing just one!
Availability
Just so everyone knows, some of the Annie's Annuals plants mentioned here might not be available on the week that you're reading this blog article. Some of the plant varieties discussed are only available in our retail nursery in Richmond CA. A quick look at that plant's page will let you know if it's available. If not, just click the Add to Wishlist button and we'll notify you when that plant is ready to take home.
