Deciduous Vines
Here are some of the best deciduous vines for shade structures:
Actinidia chinensis (Chinese Gooseberry, Kiwi Vine; Hardy to Zone 8 grows rapidly to 30 feet, forming woody stems. This vine climbs by twining, and should be tied to a structure. The 2-inch creamy flowers, which appear in early summer, are fragrant and moderately showy. The 3 to 6-inch leaves, dark green on top, whitish beneath, make deep shade. It is valued for its foliage and delicious fruit, both a female and a male vine are necessary for fruiting. Plant in light shade to full sun, and protect from strong winds. Chinese gooseberry bears on last year’s wood, so leave plenty of it when you prune in early spring.
Campsis x tagliabuana `Mme. Galen’ (`Mme. Galen’ Trumpet Vine; Hardy to Zone 5) is a rapid grower that reaches a height of 30 feet. It attaches to wood or masonry, but should be held by wire or other support once it gets heavy. Salmon-red 21/2-inch flowers bloom in showy clusters from July to September. The coarse-textured, glossy leaves are compound, each leaflet 2 inches long. For best blooming, plant in full sun, It blooms on new growth, so prune in early spring. Many other members of this genus can work well. Check with your local nursery.
Clematis hybrids (Clematis; Hardiness varies) grow fast to 15 feet. These vines twine but often need tying. They sport spectacular summer blossoms to 6 inches wide. The leaves are small, their stems twining about supports. Most hybrids bloom on the current season’s growth, so prune in early spring. Clematis often looks twiggy, spindly, and dead in the winter. This is not a good choice to cover large areas. Its roots require cool, rich, slightly alkaline soil. Plant deep, with the roots in shade and the top in light shade to full sun.
Gourds are annuals. Plant seeds 18 inches apart in full sun, when the ground has warmed. The vines climb by tendrils. With adequate summer heat over several months, vines grow fast to 20 or 30 feet and bear well. Most have yellow flowers and large, luxuriant leaves. Gourds vary greatly in size, color, shape, and texture. Plant in full sun, and protect them from strong wind.
Ipomoea tricolor (Morning Glory) is an annual that grows quickly to 15 feet and climbs by twining. The 5-inch flowers (various colors) appear from late spring to frost. The leaves are dark green and heart-shaped. Plant in full sun.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia Creeper; Hardy to Zone 4), after a slow start, grows rapidly to 50 feet. It climbs by tendril “suckers” that attach to any surface. Flowers and fruit are inconspicuous. This vine is valued for its five-sectioned leaves, which grow to 6 inches wide, bright green in spring and summer, and brilliant red in fall. When the woody stems are bare in winter, their tracery on a wall is attractive. Plant in light shade to full sun. Its relative, Partbenocissus tricuspidata (Boston Ivy; Hardy to Zone 5), is the same in nearly every respect except that its leaves are not lobed. .
Polygonum aubertii (Silverlace Vine; Hardy to Zone 5) grows quickly to 30 feet or more, climbing by twining stems. The flowers are whitish, in dense, heavy clusters, from spring into fall. These are its great asset. The leaves are heart-shaped, light green, to 2 inches long. Plant in full sun. This vine can be pruned to the ground annually, in the fall. This is an exceptionally tough, carefree,heat-tolerant plant that grows in nearly any soil.
The many species and varieties of Rosa (Climbing Roses) grow quickly to 10 to 30 feet. Their hardiness varies according to species. Roses need to be tied firmly or woven into a supporting structure. They need full sun, good soil, air circulation, and often the same spraying that bush roses need. Plant in full sun. Thin and prune out dead wood and crossing branches early in spring.
Vitis species and varieties (Grapes) have been cultivated throughout history. Their hardiness varies according to species. Some are mainly ornamental, while others produce table and wine grapes. All climb by tendrils. Their stems are large and woody, growth fast to variable. Flowers are inconspicuous, but the large, roundish, lobed leaves are always beautiful. Plant in full sun. Prune heavily in spring for fruiting. For ornamental use, prune lightly to shape. Check with your nursery or county agent for the best varieties for your area.
Wisteria floribunda (Japanese Wisteria; Hardy to Zone 5), once established, climbs rapidly to 25 or 30 feet by twining. The stems become woody and heavy with age. Fragrant blue-violet flowers hang in clusters 12 to 40 inches in length. White, purple, and rose forms are also available. The 16-inch leaves, divided into many leaflets, turn yellow in fall. Plant in full sun. Prune and thin immediately after flowering, or in winter. Encourage blooming by supplementing fertilizer in spring with superphosphate. This species is hardier than W. sinensis (Chinese Wisteria), which has shorter, denser flower clusters.
