How to Design with Flowering Vines

Growing vines can be a great solution to decorate a plain wall, fence or other structure. Some can even spill over walls or creep along the surface of the ground. Here is some information on some plants that can help you design with flowering vines.

Instructions

1. 

   Consider how you want your vine to serve the design of your landscape. Do you want a thick, fast-growing screen to block views, do you want to decorate surfaces, or do you want a colorful curtain to look through?

2. 

   Choose by habit of growth
   If you know where you want to plant your vine you can decide what kind of growth will be appropriate for the location. For example, a heavily built structure will look best with a thick climber that blends with the construction. Consider a full vine like the Bougainvillea, the Wisteria, the Red Trumpet Vine or a climbing rose. A more delicate structure like an ornamental wrought iron screen or fence will be enhanced by plants that won't cover it completely, but will twine through the supports adding life and color. Vines like Jasmines, Hardenbergias or the showy Clematis might be good choices.

3. 

   Choose by size
   If you want a flowering vine that will grow the right size to cover an archway, you might want to choose a gracefully arching climbing rose rather than a rampant Japanese Honeysuckle. A large, wide wall will handle a sprawling plant that can grow wide and tall like a Cape Honeysuckle (Tecomaria), whereas the slender-growing Mandevilla (for warm climates) will fit in a narrow vertical space.

4. 

   Choose by color
   When you decide on a color for your vine, select not only a color you like, but a color that will contrast with the background. If you plant a white flowering plant against a white wall the flowers will only stand out if they are surrounded by thick, dark green foliage. A white flowered plant that flowers on bare stems against a white wall will lose all its impact. On the other hand, grow the bright orange trumpet vine (Campsis radicans 'Madam Galen') against that white wall and the color will blaze brightly. You can also choose flower colors for subtlety or other effects. And don't forget the wealth colors offered by annual vines like climbing Nasturtiums, Morning Glories, Hyacinth Bean, Sweet Susie Vine and Sweet Peas.

5. Make sure you choose a plant that grows well in your climate with your soil and light conditions. The most spectacular vine grown in a location where it will not be happy will never show off its potential beauty. Check with your local garden center or research vines in books or on the internet to narrow down the plants that will thrive in the conditions of your garden. Then consider growth habit, size and color. With a little forethought, you can design with flowering vines to create the perfect effects for your landscape.

Resources

• Landscape design and gardening information
• eHow Home and Garden Topic Guide