If any appraisal of ornamental fruiting vines, the bittersweet are among the first to come to mind. The American bittersweet Celastrus scandens is spectacular in Autumn when its yellow fruits open and expose their scarlet seeds. It is a twining vine often reaching 25′ feet long, good on walls and chimneys when given adequate support, … Read more
Twining vines are usually very vigorous; Akeilia eminent, the five-leaf akebia, is no exception. A native of China, Korea, and Japan, its common name is derived from its compound leaves of five palmately arranged leaflets originating from the same leaf petiole. It grows rapidly once it becomes well-established, growing as much as 15’ feet in … Read more
Clematis is a subject that a gardener ought not to study too much, or they may be too frightened of trying to grow it. You may read that it is difficult, particularly about pruning, slow to get started, and perhaps not hardy where you live. However, in most cases and places, the opposite is true. … Read more
Amateur gardeners have neglected some of the best climbers that grow quickly in almost any climate. Even though it was introduced into our country from Japan 50 years ago, one that is seldom seen is the climbing hydrangea. It bears splendid tresses of white flowers in July and August, and as it clings readily to … Read more
Never underestimate the value of trellises. They provide an excellent way to gain color and greenery in confined areas. They can be practical or pictorial; they will often be both. Spray paint takes the chore out of maintaining them, and there are aluminum types that never need attention at all. Sometimes you want your trellis … Read more
Vines accommodate garden subjects. They’ll adorn a trellis, arbor, or pergola built especially for them. Or they’ll drape gracefully over an old stump, rock pile, fence, or shed, transforming an eyesore into a thing of beauty. They’ll shield you from the hot sun, screen off an ugly view, wrap leafy shawls around bare tree trunks, and … Read more
Prune your clematis to make it look tidy and produce a burst of flowers. But first, find out if it blooms on old or this year’s wood. If it blooms on old wood, prune it sparingly, cutting out only the weak, thin, or straggling branches after the vine flowers or early in February. If it blooms … Read more
Give yourself a garden treat next summer – grow sweet peas! Despite anything you may have read to the contrary, sweet peas are easy to grow and graciously rewarding. Unfortunately, overemphasis on cultural directions for exhibitors and experts has led gardeners to believe that growing sweet peas is complicated. This is far from the truth. … Read more
One of the most ornamental and functional vines where a close screen or shade is desired is the wild cucumber or balsam apple (Echinocystis lobata). Its rapid growth, as much as 10′ or 12′ feet a season, large leaves, and clusters of small greenish-white flowers followed by unusual fruit make it desirable. Native to North … Read more
Clerodendrum is a beautiful genus of flowering plants that gained popularity in the spring markets thanks to its brilliant spring color. It’s a tender, fast-growing tropical climbing vine belonging to the genus Clerodendrum and is a member of the Lamiaceae or Mints family. The plants were formerly identified in the Verbenaceae family but were transferred … Read more