Vines to Crawl Up Buildings in Sun or Shade

Many vine use clinging disks to climb up walls and fences.

Vines are among the most useful of plants. They can soften austere buildings or camouflage unsightly structures. A vine planted against the southern side of the house adds a layer of cool insulation from the summer sun, while those set on the north side of the building help deflect the winter wind. A perfect fit for small gardens, vines provide lovely greenery and fragrant foliage while taking up very little space.

Adhesive Disks

Many clinging vines climb high into trees on thick, twining trunks featuring adhesive disks. These shoots do not penetrate surrounding surfaces -- they produce a sticky substance that helps them cling to wood, rock, bark, brick, concrete or metal. Clinging vines such as winter creeper and climbing hydrangea uses these disks to climb over stucco walls and stone fences, covering them with large, glossy foliage and fragrant summer flowers. Well-suited to a variety of climates, theses vines tolerate urban conditions and thrive in both sun and shade.

Aerial Rootlets

Climbing vines such as the trumpet creeper and creeping fig, work their way up walls, fences and trees by sending out tiny, rootlike holdfasts. These bundles work like small hands, grabbing and holding on to rough-textured surfaces. Once contact has been established, the tiny roots wrap themselves around the material, cementing the vine in place. These types of vines are appropriate for brick, stucco or masonry walls. They should not be planted near wooden structures, as their rampant growth habit can damage soft surfaces.

Evergreen Climbing Vines

To cover a house or building in year-round greenery, choose evergreen vines such as cross vine or English ivy. These robust plants are available in a variety of leaf patterns and flower forms. Their bright spring blossoms fill the yard with color and fragrance while their perpetual greenery climbs over walls, fences, arbors and trees. These hardy vines thrive in both shade and sun, and are tolerant of sandy soils, pollution and seashore conditions.

Deciduous Climbing Vines

Use deciduous vines such as Virginia creeper and Boston ivy to create a vertical display of breathtaking fall color. These fast-growing plants readily climb bark, brick and stone, while generating visual interest with their ongoing displays of seasonal color. The deciduous leaves emerge lightly tinted, then mature to rich green in summer, before turning scarlet in early fall. Additionally, the diminutive spring flowers are followed by clusters of colorful berries that draw birds to the yard.

References

• Clemson Cooperative Extension; Vines; Karen Russ, et al; June 1999
• University of Illinois Extension; Climbers and Twiners -- Vines for the Home Garden; Greg Stack
• "New Complete Guide to Gardening"; Susan A. Roth; 1997