HANG IN THERE, BABY
By Trey Pitsenberger, co-owner Golden Gecko

Vines can soften walls and hide ugly fences. Arbors and pergolas are just not complete without a vine growing up and over them. Vines can grow in sun or shade, and in many cases grow amazingly fast. Some can even be used as ground covers.

The first question to ask when choosing a vine is will it grow in sun or shade. The second question to ask is, evergreen or deciduous. Deciduous means the vine loses its leaves in the winter. This may be valuable if you want to let the winter light thru your patio covering. It may not be what you want if the vine is to provide privacy the year round.

Probably the most popular vine is Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasmanoides). This plant is an example of a vine that can also act as a ground cover. When grown as a ground cover is two feet tall and spreading ten feet wide. Grown as a climber it can grow up to twenty feet. The versatility of this vine is the reason for its popularity. It looks great spilling over a wall, climbing up a post or trellis, or used as a large-scale groundcover. The fact that it has delightfully fragrant flowers spring and summer and is evergreen adds to its popularity. When growing as a groundcover place plants five feet apart. Grow Star Jasmine in full sun or light shade. Vines that can be grown as ground covers include Honeysuckle (Lonicera), and Ivy (Hedera).

Shade gardens have their choice of vines, too. One of the more interesting ones is Porcelain Berry (Amelopsis brevipedunculata). Porcelain Berry is a hardy deciduous vine that can even grow in Lake Tahoe. This vine looks great on rock walls or concrete. Growing up to twenty feet it climbs by tendrils. The name Porcelain Berry comes from the fact that clusters of small grapelike berries turn from greenish ivory to brilliant metallic blue in late summer and fall. The berries are great for attracting birds. The leaves turn red in the fall before falling. Related to the Porcelain Berry is the Boston Ivy Vine (Parthenocissus tricuspidata). This is the vine that gave the Ivy league its name. Growing well in shade or part sun the leaves turn brilliant orange to wine red in the fall, before falling. It will climb by suction disks at the end of tendrils. It can climb up to fifty feet, covering entire sides of buildings. Shade loving vines include Creeping fig (Ficus pumila), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), and Five-leaf Akebia (Akebia quinata).

Bougainvillea is one of the most beautiful flowing vines available. Flower colors range from pink, orange, red, white, purple, lavender, and gold. This plant is best in full sun. In the foothills it must be treated as an annual that needs to be protected in the winter from the frost. The best use for this vine in Sunset zones 7-9 is as a container plant. Then in the winter you can move the container into the house, greenhouse, or atrium. In the lower foothills and valley, Sunset zone 14, they are hardier. Locate them in the most protected warm spot in the garden. If they make it thru the first couple of winters, they will usually last. Treat this plant as a beautiful accent that most likely will not make it thru foothill winters.

The above listed vines are only some of the many vines available at garden centers. Keep in mind the sun exposure, or lack of, weather you want evergreen or deciduous, and how much the vine must grow to fit your needs. Your garden center expert can help you choose the right vine for the right place.