Home » Misc » Vines that grow fast

Vines that grow fast


10 ideas for height and color |

(Image credit: Getty Images)

As their name suggests, fast-growing flowering vines offer a quick way to add color, fragrance and height to your garden. Whether you grow yours on the façade of your house, interlaced with a pergola or trained up a trellis, growing a vertical vine enables you to add interest and character to your plot.

When planning your flower bed ideas, it is vital to incorporate plants that add height. Not only do fast-growing flowering vines maximize the available growing space, but they also draw the eye upwards, helping to unite different planting areas and give the illusion of more space. Growing vertically, as well as at ground-level, will help you to curate a garden that's brimming with personality. 

Fast-growing flowering vines to add interest to your plot

When you are looking for the best climbing plants, it makes sense to look to flowering vines for color and scent. These plants rely on a structure on which to grow, whether that be a pergola, archway, trellis or up the house. There are lots of different pergola ideas and trellis ideas that would work brilliantly with these fast-growing flowering vines.

However, these structures aren't always the most attractive  in their own right, therefore opting for fast-growing flowering vines will ensure that your structure is quickly covered by beautiful blooms. 

'When planning to add fast-growing flowering vines to your garden, it is important to make sure that the support is large and strong enough to support the vine. Combining two different vines on the same support can double the floral impact or extend the bloom time,' advises horticultural expert Melinda Myers . 

'I like to use annual vines along with perennial vines the first few years. The annuals quickly cover the support and flower while the perennial vine becomes established. This ensures short and long term beauty,' 

1. Fast-growing flowering vines for evergreen character

(Image credit: Getty Images)

If your vines are to have a prominent space in your garden's architecture, then it is best to opt for evergreen fast-growing flowering vines. The Evergreen Clematis, also known as Clematis Armandii, is one of the best evergreen climbers. 

Clematis Armandii have deep, leathery leaves which add year-round interest while the pink or white blooms that erupt in spring add a stunning pop of colour. 'These flowers also have a fantastic fragrance,' says Emilly Barbosa Fernandes, expert gardener and consultant at HouseGrail .

When considering these fast-growing flowering vines, it is important to know how to grow clematis to ensure that your new climber will thrive. When purchasing your clematis, it is also important to note its classification as this will help you know how to prune clematis and as such will keep it in great condition for years to come.

2. Fast-growing flowering vines for containers

(Image credit: Getty Images)

These unusual fast-growing flowering vines are called vigna caracalla and are characterized by their swirling blooms. Also known as snail vine or corkscrew flower, they can be grown from seed and will typically flower in their first year when grown in a warm climate.

'Requiring a minimum temperature of 59°F, Vigna caracalla is best grown in patio containers that can be moved indoors to a heated greenhouse or conservatory for the winter,' suggests the experts at seed and plant company Thompson & Morgan 'Alternatively, you can grow snail vines outdoors as an annual.'

When grown in pots as part of your patio ideas, these fast-growing flowering vines make for a beautiful and unique addition to the garden, and look especially great when paired with other container gardening ideas.

3. Fast-growing flowering vines for cut flowers

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Amongst the best flowering climbers and having recently seen a surge in popularity, sweet peas are a stalwart of cottage garden ideas. This fast-growing vine is renowned for its dainty flowers and their rich perfume. If you're planning a cut flower garden, sweet peas are an essential addition. Not only do they look great in vases, but regular flower removal also encourages the plant to keep blooming.

Grown as an annual from seed, sweet peas will quickly grow to heights of around 6ft and will flower within 14 weeks of germination. If you want to grow these fast-growing flowering vines then you should start by researching how to grow sweet peas as the seeds will need to be planted from October through to March.

4. Fast-growing flowering vines  for fragrance

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Honeysuckle are one of the most popular fast-growing flowering vines due to their  beautiful blooms and sweet perfume. 'They can enclose an area, adorn an arbour, or clamber up walls, sheds and trees – classic combinations on arbours or tunnels include honeysuckle entwined with clematis,' says PL garden expert Leigh Clapp.

If you're seeking to encourage more nature into your garden, then adding fast-growing flowering vines can be extremely beneficial. Not only do the flowers provide nectar for pollinators but they also offer protection. In fact, Ness Amaral-Rogers, science communications executive at the RSPB recommends growing 'climbing roses or honeysuckle around bat houses to encourage use'.

5. Fast-growing flowering vines for your house

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Star jasmine are great fast-growing flowering vines for incorporating into your front yard flower bed ideas as they will help to perfume the approach to your home. Alternatively, they can be grown in containers and are a great addition to patio ideas as its pretty flowers will bring a sweet scent to your patio.

Despite their name, these fast-growing flowering vines are not actually part of the jasmine family. Though they have very similar flowers and a sweet jasmine scent, it is actually an evergreen woody liana vine. Regardless, their growing requirements are very similar to how to grow jasmine and the star jasmine thrives in sun or dappled shade. 

6. Fast-growing flowering vines to attract wildlife

(Image credit: Getty Images)

One of the best flowering climbers, the vibrant trumpet vine is characterised by its bright orange trumpet shaped flowers. Filled with nectar, the bloom of these fast-growing flowering vines are full of nectar and as such attract butterflies and hummingbirds – this makes the trumpet vine a great addition to wildlife garden ideas.

As with any fast-growing plants, they will need to be kept in check to prevent them from overwhelming the other plants in your garden. 

Pruning is essential, especially with the trumpet vine. 'This is a fast-growing vine that will take over your entire garden if you're not careful. It can easily reach 30 feet, producing beautiful orange tubular flowers in the summer,' says Emilly Barbosa Fernandes.

7. Fast-growing flowering vines for tropical gardens 

(Image credit: Alamy)

From the name, the broad-leaved sausage vine might seem like an unusual addition to the garden. However, holboellia latifolia are one of the best evergreen climbers and will add both color and texture to the garden. Reaching a height of 20 feet in between 5 to 10 years, they are hardy from zones 8 to 11 and as a result are better suited to warmer climes and paired with other tropical garden ideas.

Come spring, they erupt in a profusion of pinky-yellow flowers which cascade from the towering vine. 'Furthermore, these deliciously fragrant blooms evoke the sweet scent of fresh melons,' describes the experts at Monrovia Nursery , 'and come the autumn the vine produces  elongated, edible, purplish fruits.' 

Their stunning springtime display is sure to leave you wondering why it took you so long to introduce these beautiful fast-growing flowering vines into your garden.

8.  Fast-growing flowering vines for color

(Image credit: Getty Images)

When growing vertically, you'll want a bloom that catches the eye. The bright colors of the Ipomoea lobata, also known as Spanish Flag, definitely fits the bill. Characterised by their red, orange, yellow and white petals, they are typically grown as annuals and are beautiful fast-growing flowering vines that will prove invaluable  as part of tropical garden ideas.

Very versatile, these fast-growing flowering vines thrive in a range of soil types including chalk, loam and sand and will make a statement  as it can reach 6ft tall in a single year's growth.

9. Fast-growing flowering vines for vigorous growth

(Image credit: Alamy)

If you're looking for fast-growing flowering vines, then the beautiful Akebia quinata is a great choice. One of the best climbing plants, these vines are extremely fast-growing, in fact they can grow as much as 20 feet per year before reaching their ultimate height of around 12 metres in just five years.

'This vine is impressive,' says Emilly Barbosa Fernandes, 'It produces hanging clusters of bell-shaped flowers that are either white or purple throughout May and June.' They are also known as chocolate vines due to their rich vanilla scent making them a great addition to patio ideas. 

A hardy vine, they can thrive in USDA zones 4 through to 9 and will remain evergreen in zones 6 and warmer. If grown up a trellis, these fast-growing flowering vines create an evergreen screen and as such are a brilliant addition to garden privacy ideas.

10. Fast-growing flowering vines for fruit

(Image credit: Getty Images)

If you want fast-growing flowering vines that bring more than just pretty blooms, then consider adding a fruiting vine to your garden.

Grapes are the conventional choice, and bring with them pretty flowers followed by delectable fruits. However, they are not always straight-forward to grow. Kiwi vines on the other hand are relatively fast-growing flowering vines that produce rose-like blooms. 

‘Kiwi fruit vines are vigorous, hardy and easy to grow,’ says Period Living's gardening expert Leigh Clapp. ‘They need plenty of space on a strong support structure and will take three to five years to fruit.’ Despite taking a few years to fruit, they will grow around 6 to 12 feet a year. 

For an instant vine, purchase an established plant from your garden center or online. Alternatively, if you want a challenge then learn how to grow kiwi from seed. Growing a kiwi from seed will take longer to produce fruit, but will bring with it a source of great pride.

What is the best flowering climber?

Sweet peas, Akebia quinata, star jasmine and honeysuckle are some of the best flowering climbers. These fast-growing flowering vines all erupt in beautifully colorful and scented blooms.

What is the fastest growing flowering vine?

Akebia quinata are one of the fastest growing flowering vines, adding 20 feet  to its height every year. If these fast-growing flowering vines are grown in zone 6 or above, they are also evergreen making them a brilliant, permanent addition to the garden. 

However, if you're looking for a quick hit of color and fragrance then sweet peas are the best choice of fast-growing flowering vines. Taking just over three months to flower from germination, they will produce beautiful blooms throughout spring and will brighten both your home and your garden.

Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature four years ago, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title. Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending. This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature. 

Fast-growing climbing plants: 10 vines for vertical spaces

(Image credit: Thrillerfillerspiller/Alamy Stock Photo)

Fast-growing climbing plants come as evergreen vines, which provide coverage all year round, and deciduous vines which lose their leaves in the fall. Most are perennial, and come back year after year, while a few are annual vines that grow from spring to fall and then die as winter comes.

Some fast-growing climbing plants are twiners, meaning they cling by twisting themselves round other branches or trellis. Some have tendrils at the ends of their leaves or at the leaf joints, they grip almost anything to support their growth. Some scramble through host plants, often using their thorns to hook over the branches of their hosts. Some have adhesive pads and others develop tiny roots on their stems which cling to stonework, branches and other supports.

But remember that just like fast-growing trees, these speedy climbing plants will not simply stop growing when they have reached the height you want – they may well just keep going.

Screen walls and fences with these 10 fast-growing climbing plants

Whether you're looking to hide an unsightly fence from view or want to add color and interest to a garden structure, these fast-growing climbing plants will do all that and more. 

1. Ornamental Kiwi Vine (Actinidia kolomikta)

(Image credit: P Tomlins/Alamy Stock Photo)

This bold, large-leaved, deciduous twining vine has the unique feature of its leaves being green, but with the outer half white, tinged with pink. On young plants, the leaves may be entirely green and the white and pink coloring only develop after a few years. There are also small fragrant, white flowers that open in early summer.

Male and female flowers open on separate plants and one of each is needed to be sure of the edible, sweet, 1in (2.5cm) greenish yellow fruits developing. Check with your supplier if you want to have fruits. An alternative option to try is the edible Kiwi fruit, Actinidia deliciosa.

If your backyard is lacking in interest, there are also plenty of fast-growing shrubs that you can plant to add impact quickly. 

2. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

(Image credit: Plantography/Alamy Atock Photo)

A flamboyant, deciduous, fast-growing climbing plant that climbs using tiny roots that develop anywhere that a stem touches a support (in the same way as ivy).  

The large, dark leaves are rather like large rose leaves and, in late summer and fall, orange and scarlet trumpets open in clusters at the tips of the shoots. It is so popular with hummingbirds that it is sometimes known as the hummingbird vine. 

Happy in most soils, suckers may appear at the base and, unless removed, this fast-growing plant will spread sideways as well as upwards! Flowers best in full sun, which it may not get until it reaches the tops of its supports. 

3. Mountain clematis (Clematis montana)

(Image credit: Natalia Greeske/Alamy Stock Photo)

This fast-growing clematis brings us large clusters of 2-3in (5-7.5cm) flowers in pink or white, creating a dramatic display in late spring. 

Clinging very effectively to tree branches with its twisting leaf stalks, as it reaches good light at the top of its host tree flowering becomes more prolific creating an impressive feature from quite a distance.

Choose the planting site carefully as growth is so vigorous that pruning to keep it to size becomes a problem.

If you prefer an evergreen option, clematis armandii is a good choice, but it is less hardy. 

4. Orange peel clematis (Clematis tangutica)

(Image credit: Nigel Cattlin/Alamy Stock Photo)

Clematis come in a vast variety of shapes and sizes, but the one that best combines fast growth with colorful flowers is the summer and fall flowering, deciduous orange peel clematis. 

Its prettily divided, slightly bluish green leaves make the perfect background for the 2in (5cm), four petalled orange-yellow flowers followed by large silvery seedheads. It clings by tendrils.

Happy in most soils that are not dry or waterlogged, but it may need watering to help it get settled if planted to grow into a tree. Responds well to hard spring pruning if it gets out of hand. Our guide on how to prune clematis has lots of tips on how to do this properly. 

5. Morning Glory (Ipomoea ‘Heavenly Blue’)

(Image credit: Blickwinkel/Alamy Stock Photo)

The flowers of this gorgeous twining annual open in early morning and usually close in the afternoon, but keep on coming all summer.

The experts at Burpee tell us: 'Magnificent 4-5in (10-12.5) cheerful blooms are bright sky blue. Fast-growing, climbing large vines are spangled with dazzling azure blue trumpet blooms, complemented by attractive heart-shaped foliage. Easy-growing plants carry on the florific show from early summer to early fall.' 

An easy-to-grow annual flower, seeds need starting in the sunroom or conservatory in cooler zones but can be started where they are to flower in the warmer climates.

If you're looking for a hardier option, it's worth considering Ipomoea ‘Grandpa Otts’ with purple trumpets.

6. Poet’s Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)

(Image credit: thrillerfillerspiller/Alamy Stock Photo)

One of the most beautifully scented of all fast-growing climbing plants, the handsomely divided leaves of this deciduous, twining jasmine are dark green and set off the flowers well. At the ends of the new growth in summer and fall, clusters of fragrant white flowers open from pink-tinted buds over many weeks.

Stephen Lacey, in his book Scent In The Garden, wisely remarks: 'Before you plant it near the patio, consider whether you really want to be drowned in its scent. Would it be better wafting towards you on the evening breeze from another part of the garden?'

Happy in most soils, it will flower most prolifically when the shoots reach the sun, making it a good option for your vertical garden ideas. May be cut back in hard winters.

Another white-flowering but less hardy option is Jasminum polyanthum.

7. Passion Flower (Passiflora)

(Image credit: Getty images)

One of the top plants for covering walls, these astonishing, very vigorous, tropical and subtropical vines, supporting themselves by clinging with tendrils, are famous for their uniquely complex and beautiful flowers and for their succulent fruits. 

The name, passion flower, derives from the Christian symbolism in which a resemblance is seen between the objects associated with the Passion of Jesus and the various parts of the flower. 

The flowers are followed by large, juicy, fruit, full of pup and seeds, that mature to orange or purple and must be left on the vine to ripen.

Hardiness varies, so check that the variety you would like to grow is hardy in your area.

Passiflora edulis is the one usually eaten, Passiflora caerulea is the most winter hardy.

8. Rambling Rose (Rosa ‘Kiftsgate’)

(Image credit: Blickwinkel/Alamy Stock Photo)

Rambling roses are vigorous, often very thorny, roses that support themselves by the thorns hooking on to the shrubs and trees through which they scramble. 

Usually flowering just once, in early summer, ‘Kiftsgate’ has clusters of a hundred or more small, white, single, fragrant flowers that are followed by small orange hips. Spectacular in full flower, and loved by birds in fall, the original is now 70 years old and 80ft (25m) tall!

Think twice before planting this exceptionally vigorous type of rose, as its weight can sometimes damage the branches of its host tree. For something similar but slightly smaller, try ‘Bobbie James’, which grows to half the height.

9. Ornamental Vine (Vitis coignetiae)

(Image credit: Ernie Janes/Alamy Stock Photo)

A grape vine that matures to a height of 80ft (25ft) may be impractical as far as picking the fruits is concerned, but the large leaves up to 12in (30cm) across develop the most dramatic crimson and scarlet coloring in fall. 

Clinging by tendrils that support its growth to the tops of forest trees, it is a spectacular sight. It's also a great addition to a wildlife garden as the small black fruits are much valued by birds and small mammals.

The best fall foliage color is produced when its roots compete with other plants, so planting amongst tree roots is ideal both for support and for the best fall color.

As an alternative, ‘Brandt’ grows a little less strongly, and has wine red fall color.

10. Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens)

(Image credit: Sundry Photography/Alamy Stock Photo)

The American wisteria is a spectacular American native twining vine with exceptionally long shoots that soon climb trees or smother tumbledown buildings. 

The dangling 12in (30cm) strings of fragrant, pale lilac, pea-like early summer and mid summer flowers are followed by pods like those of pole beans. It may need guiding in the right direction at first, but will soon find its way.

It's less vigorous than the Chinese wisterias, Wisteria floribunda and Wisteria sinensis, but these are exceptionally invasive plants in many areas of the US and should not be planted. Do not be tempted.

‘Amethyst Falls’ is a form that is more prolific and a deeper color.

How can I get fast-growing climbing plants off to a good start?

Just like fast-growing hedges, many fast-growing climbers naturally grow like rockets, but there are still a few things you can do to help ensure they fly up their climbing plant supports at top speed.  

There are two things to keep in mind. Prepare well, and make sure the new growth heads in the right direction.

So do not simply dig a hole a fraction bigger than the pot your vine came in, drop it in and forget about it. Thorough preparation will set your vine off growing well. Dig a hole about 2ft (60cm) across and fork over the soil in the base. Half fill the hole with garden compost, work it into the soil and firm well. Remove the vine from its pot and set it into the hole – add or remove soil so that the top of the root ball is just below the general soil level. 

Fill in with a mix of soil and compost, firm well, water in with liquid fertilizer promptly after flowering, and ensure that the roots stay moist until the plant is well established. Mulching with weed-free compost or bark is also a good idea.

Some fast-growing climbing plants can be a little slow to get started, so their new stems might need guiding in the right direction to get them started.

Fast-growing climbers will need the right support to help them grow

(Image credit: imageBroker/Alamy Stock Photo)

Which is the fastest-growing climbing plant for shade?

The large leaved ivies grow very strongly once they’ve settled in, even some of the attractive variegated varieties will cover a great deal of space quickly – if they have a tree trunk on which to cling.

Look for varieties of the Algerian ivy, Hedera algeriensis (USDA Z8, RHS Z5), such as silver edged ‘Gloire de Marengo’ and also varieties of Persian ivy, Hedera colchica, such as ‘Sulphur Heart’ with its bold yellow splash on each leaf.

Climbing hydrangeas, Hydrangea anomala subp. petiolaris, (USDA Z4, RHS Z5), with its white lacecap flowers grows strongly on a shady garden wall after a slow start.

If you're looking for fast-growing vines with golden coloring, the gold hop, Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus’ (USDA Z5, RHS Z6), twines well in shade, although the foliage can be more chartreuse than gold where light is limited. It dies down in winter but surges into growth again in spring.

Hedera algeriensis 'Gloire de Marengo'

(Image credit: Thrillerfillerspiller/Alamy Stock Photo)

Graham Rice is a garden writer who has won awards for his work online, and in books and magazines, on both sides of the Atlantic. He is a member of a number of Royal Horticultural Society committees and the recipient of the 2021 Garden Media Guild Lifetime Achievement Award.  

Parthenocissus five-leafed grape

Parthenocissus is an exceptionally unpretentious and winter-hardy fast-growing liana. It is indispensable if you need to cover a large fence or the facade of a house with greenery.

Virginia grape (Parhenocissus quinquefolia). Tree liana of the grape family. Height is about 20 m. The leaves are round, spectacular, up to 20 cm in diameter, each consists of five oval leaflets. The color of the foliage is green, in autumn - orange-crimson, reddish. The Engelman form is distinguished by smaller, graceful leaves.

Undemanding to the soil. It develops better on drained fertile, neutral in acidity (pH 6.4-7.3). Responsive to fertilization. Grows well in full sun and partial shade. Drought tolerant, prefers moderate moisture.

Needs moderate watering. Additional watering is desirable for young plants and when grown in an open area. To maintain moisture, plants can be mulched with peat. Does not require special pruning. To get a denser crown, it is advisable to pinch the shoots. Winter hardiness is high. The simplest and most effective methods of propagation are cuttings and layering.

Used for wall decoration, decoration of buildings: fences, arbors, arches. Good groundcover. The decorative effect is long lasting. The leaves are beautiful all season, blooming in July - August, in September - October, spectacular bluish-black inedible berries appear in abundance.

Parthenocissus quintufolia is a fast growing vine. For a year, it can give an increase of up to several meters and quickly covers the surface. But this happens after the plants develop roots. The first three years after planting, the aerial part grows weakly, all the energy is spent on the formation of roots.

Parthenocissus is not a full-fledged Cornelia. To teach him to climb the walls, you need to look at the features of this creeper.

The main attachment tool for parthenocissus is tendrils (modified inflorescences). They secrete a sticky secret, thanks to which the shoot, albeit not very firmly, can attach to a wall, tree trunk or other surface. For some time it can hang like this, holding only the top, but with a strong gust of wind it sometimes breaks if it fails to completely lean against the surface and put into action tenacious roots - suckers. Root suckers - small dark tubercles, clearly visible on the shoot bark - germinate when in contact with a suitable surface. There are few of them, but the air roots can withstand the weight of their own green mass, so the plant is suitable for decorating walls.

To help the vine settle faster, temporary supports or guides are needed: stretched wire, poles, rods thrown from the landing site. The more of them, the faster the shoots will be fixed.

The size of the leaves and the number of root suckers on the shoots depend on the individual characteristics of the plant. Girlish grapes have different shapes. Be careful if you want to take a cutting for rooting. Take a closer look at how the copy that you are going to propagate behaves: whether it climbs the wall well, whether it forms a beautiful sheet mosaic. Any shape is suitable for decorating lattices, pergolas, arches, and for sheer walls, a five-leaf f.murorum (f.murorum) is more suitable - it has smaller leaves and more root suckers.

Planting

For planting, it is preferable to choose 2-3 year old seedlings grown in large containers - their roots are already strong enough, such plants can be planted in spring or autumn. When planting, it is necessary to take into account the powerful growth qualities of plants and maintain a distance between them of at least 1 m. The plant is responsive to mulching, it is advisable to sprinkle exposed roots. The roots of girlish grapes are long and powerful, growing to several meters. Limit their expansion by weeding, do not plant cultivated plants too close.

Maintenance

Girlvines are easy to care for. Two nutritional top dressings per season are enough for him: in the spring, at the beginning of the growing season, and again - at the height of summer, during active growth. If the summer is dry, additional watering will be required. Watering is moderate, 8 - 10 liters per plant three to four times per season, in dry and hot summers it is increased to 20 liters. In a typical summer, it will be enough rain.

Given the growth rate, it is better to start shaping this plant in the first year after planting, otherwise you can get a shapeless green mass that will drag out not only what you wanted to decorate. Shoots of young plants as they grow, it is better to fix them on a support, first directing them in the right direction.

The plant requires sanitary and deterrent pruning to remove weak, damaged and thickened shoots. Don't let the girl's grapes get into the gutter and clog it. Make sure that powerful shoots do not close the windows - cut them in a timely manner.

In spring, parthenocissus comes to life later than the rest of the plants, and until mid-May, bare, tangled shoots are striking. Do not rush to bury him alive and do not be upset looking at a dull picture. Even if the shoots happen to freeze slightly in a particularly harsh winter, parthenocissus quickly recovers, growing literally before our eyes. In addition, it is durable and almost not damaged by insects and fungal diseases.

S. Ivanov, Gardener No. 11(118) 2014

Maiden grapes. A helper, not a source of problems. Landing and care. Photo — Botanichka

Parthenocissus is considered to be one of the largest, fastest growing and hardy perennial vines. The look of its luxurious, spectacularly reddening foliage at the end of the season is well known to everyone, because it is parthenocissus that is most actively used in our urban gardening to decorate buildings. In private gardens, this plant is not so common. It is considered too aggressive, almost uncontrollable, and even conducive to the spread of rodents and pests around the site and home. But such a reputation is completely undeserved.

Maiden grapes. © Tobias Abel

Parthenocissus, being one of the easiest large garden plants to grow, can become a lifesaver. After all, the drapery of high walls by no means limits the scope of its use in garden design.

Parthenocissus and its hidden talents

All types and varieties of parthenocissus are used as large and powerful creepers. With their help, you can effectively drape surfaces of any area. Parthenocissus creates a dense, seemingly ornamental and almost tiled coating due to the peculiar arrangement of the leaves and the independent regulation of the uniform distribution of the light entering them.

Dazzlingly bright orange or scarlet autumn color, beauty and splendor of the crown, ease and reliability of self-attachment of the plant do not know competitors among vines. In all types of girlish grapes, the antennae are densely branched and cling so tightly to even even walls that the plant is not threatened even by its own considerable weight at a respectable age.

Parthenocissus is not afraid of pollution, smoke, any even the most difficult conditions, while maintaining a slight gloss of attractive foliage. It is perfect for spectacular landscaping of walls, even sheer ones, of any powerful and high supports, decorating gloomy, empty sides of buildings and gigantic fences, creating the so-called continuous landscaping and dense even coverage.

Parthenocissus is able to form amazingly beautiful green tunnels, turn pergolas into luxurious objects, decorate old trees, arbors and pavilions. And even these functions do not exhaust the possibilities of its use in landscape design.

Parthenocissus is also very good as a creeping groundcover. It can be used to create amazingly beautiful and lush, dense carpets in areas where grassy lawns or grassy groundcovers cannot be established. It is not afraid of dry open spaces and rocky slopes, grows well even in the poorest soils, will not lose the ability to effectively green the soil even in the densest shade, and at the same time retains all the advantages of greenery in the horizontal plane.

Parthenocissus can also be grown from cuttings as a groundcover, seedlings spaced approximately 1 meter apart will create a thick carpet, and seedlings can be spaced twice as close to speed up the process. A decorative and elegant carpet, parthenocissus will create amazingly quickly, while requiring almost no maintenance.

Weeds do not grow and spread under grapes, it does not interfere with the growth and development of large shrubs and trees, which makes it one of the most promising crops for landscaping large areas and areas with difficult conditions.

We should not forget the purely practical advantages of girlish grapes. Thanks to the use of this plant in landscaping, it is possible to achieve much greater efficiency from thermal insulation, to protect buildings and garden pavilions with gazebos from wind and rain, because the leaf canopy of girlish grapes is really amazingly dense and for a long time preserves structures from the destructive effects of the external environment.

Gardening from girlish grapes allows you to enjoy the coolness inside a room or gazebo in summer, even on the hottest day, in winter - to make the heating system as efficient as possible, and heat loss - to a minimum.

Maiden grapes. © Insomniac’s Attic

Simple Rules for Controlling Parthenocissus

The notorious aggressiveness of parthenocissus only comes into play when the plant is given full rein and not even a basic control of its development or care has been taken care of for decades. False grapes, with careful monitoring of the rate of its spread and timely containment, will never uncontrollably crawl into the garden, damage wall or roofing materials, create shade, dampness and braid everything around.

A simple control pruning is all this plant needs. If you see that the grapes are developing too actively or its shoots are starting to crawl into areas where they are not needed, just cut off the excess and shorten the lashes of the vine. The more girlish grapes are pruned, the more its foliage thickens, the ornamental pattern of the crown and the color of the leaves are revealed, and the easier it is to cope with its tendency to rapid growth.

But these are not all simple tricks that will help to restrain the aggressiveness of parthenocissus and avoid unwanted seizure of the territory. Having achieved a spectacular surface drapery and the desired effect, it is enough to completely exclude watering and top dressing from the grape care system - and its growth will not stop, but will slow down significantly. The plant will look good and fresh, but will stop actively growing in height and volume.

Maiden grape ‘Star showers monham’. © julie weisenhorn

Selection of conditions for a powerful creeper

In order for parthenocissus to develop and grow successfully, it does not even need to carefully select certain lighting or soil parameters. This is one of the most unpretentious and hardy garden plants. Parthenocissus is able to adapt to almost any conditions, surviving even where there is no fertile soil or if it grows in limited quantities.

It can be planted both in the most lit areas of the garden, suitable for light-loving crops, on the south side of buildings, and in fairly dense shade. These are shade-tolerant, but not shade-loving vines, and under a dense crown of trees or on the north side of buildings it is better to plant it only when the plant is lit by the sun for at least a few hours a day. All types and varieties of girlish grapes achieve the greatest efficiency in partial shade of very different intensity from deep to scattered.

As far as the soil is concerned, any deficiency, from poor tillage and compaction to poor nutrient content or excessive calcareousness and acidity, can be compensated for by planting. Girlish grapes can grow literally in any soil, even dry, but when planting plants, it is necessary to follow some rules of elementary agricultural technology. The virtues of girlish grapes include the ability to tolerate transplantation at any age.

Parthenocissus

Planting Rules for Parthenociss

Planting is actually the only difficult part of growing this vine. Girlish grapes can be planted both in spring and in mid-autumn.

Parthenocissus seedlings should be located 1 m from the buildings or supports on which they will have to climb and about 1 m from other large plants.

Before planting, it is better to dig up the soil for future cultivation. For girlish grapes, large planting pits are prepared, similar to woody plants. The optimal dimensions of the landing hole are about 60 cm deep and wide. A powerful drainage layer about 20 cm high must be laid at the bottom, using fragments of broken bricks, crushed stone and sand to create the most effective water permeability.

All soil removed from the planting hole must be improved: completely replaced with ready-mixed soil or simply mixed with peat, compost and sand. The soil mixture consisting of equal parts of peat, compost and leafy soil with the addition of half the share of sand is considered optimal for girlish grapes.

In order for girlish grapes to take root successfully and begin to develop rapidly, it is enough to correctly place the seedlings in the planting hole. The root collar of young plants should be level with the soil. It must not be buried or raised above the ground line. After planting, it is necessary to immediately conduct a charging watering, using up to 2 buckets of water for each plant.

In the first year after planting, especially if cuttings are used, it is best to give the plants minimal care. Girlish grapes will respond with gratitude to mulching the soil about 6 cm high, which will completely abandon weeding and loosening, and to watering with top dressing.

Elementary care for girl's grapes

This plant practically does not need any additional procedures. Only young plants will need more intensive care, and even then if you want to achieve the fastest possible draping of a wall or structure in the shortest possible time.

In order to stimulate the active growth of parthenocissus, the plants can be fed twice a year. In spring or June, about 40-50 g of any complete mineral fertilizer is applied for it, and about a month or two after the first top dressing, organic matter is used or mineral top dressing is repeated. But fertilizers are applied only for those girlish grapes in which they want to stimulate an active increase in height and size.

This creeper does not need watering as such. But a prolonged drought can provoke an actual cessation of growth, therefore, in a dry and hot summer, the plant is watered 3-4 times in the morning or in the evening, providing compensation for adverse weather conditions. For girlish grapes, use 1-2 buckets of water for each vine. If you are holding back the growth of the climber, then watering can also be excluded from care.

At least once a year, try to loosen the soil, remove large weeds or mulch to prevent them from growing in the trunk circle.

Parthenocissus tends to gradually rise in the soil and expose the rhizome. If you notice that the roots of the plant begin to protrude above the ground, be sure to add fresh soil and lightly spud the vine. Usually this procedure is carried out in the fall, as part of preparing the garden for wintering.

Pruning as such is not necessary for parthenocissus, except for the removal of dry and damaged shoots and situations where it is necessary to restrain the vine and not allow it to go beyond the allotted area. Elementary cutting of some branches or shortening of excess ones will allow you to effectively control the growth of the plant.

Parthenocissus is completely resistant to diseases and pests. It is easy for rodents to get to the buildings along its lashes, but elementary measures at the base of the vine in the form of traps and baits make it easy to solve this problem.

Parthenocissus

Wintering of Parthenocissus

In regions with harsh winters, the only completely winter-hardy variety is Virginia Parthenocissus, better known as five-leafed. Although the leaves of the Henry, triacicular, Thompson grapes are even more decorative and they are also very good both as a creeper and as a ground cover, they will need shelter and removal from their supports for the winter.

Learn more