Most Common Vine
Cape honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis) is a flowering plant native to South Africa. Despite the word honeysuckle occurring in its common name, the Cape honeysuckle is not related to the honeysuckle. Cape honeysuckle is often planted in garden hedgerows and is considered an invasive species in some regions.
The Blue passionflower is known for its distinctive bright blue petals with striped patterns. Originally native to South America, it grows as a vine with a long, meandering reach. It produces orange fruits with red pulp. The word “passion” is incorporated in both the common and scientific names because of the flower’s cultural association with the Christian “Passion of Jesus” story.
The Asian virginsbower is one species of garden clematis that has generated some incredible beautiful varieties. It is a deciduous vine that produces creamy white to purple flowers according to varieties and blooms in early summer on shoots that developed from the previous year’s growth.
Chocolate vine (Akebia quinata) gets its name from the delicate chocolate scent and dark color of its purplish-brown blossoms. These flowers appear in spring, while eggplant-like fruits appear in summer and have edible pulp. Considered an invasive weed in some parts of North America.
Star jasmine is a popular ornamental and houseplant due to its fragrant smell and relative ease of growth. This versatile plant can grow in full sun, partial shade or complete shade, making it common in a variety of climates. It prefers to climb and is generally planted on walls or fences to allow for this natural upward growth. The Star jasmine is also known to attract pollinators such as bees.
Chilean jasmine (Mandevilla laxa) is a flowering plant species that grows best in full sunlight and well-drained soil. Chilean jasmine is native to Chile and Argentina. This species produces masses of heavily-scented white flowers in the summer months, which smell like vanilla.
Common morning-glory natives in Mexico and Central America and is commonly planted as an ornamental plant prized for its colorful trumpet-shaped flowers. It is naturalized in temperate and subtropical areas globally and in many places, always grown weedy and is considered to be invasive in many parts of the world.
Mandevilla sanderi, colloquially known as Brazilian jasmine, is an ornamental perennial vine native to South America. Its velvety flowers are most often white, scarlet or pink in color. Brazilian jasmine contains white latex, which is toxic and can have an irritating effect when it comes in contact with skin or eyes.
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is a twining vine native to East Asia. It features white-yellow flowers that emit a pleasant, sweet aroma and are often visited by pollinators such as honeybees. Their sweet nectar is readily consumed by wildlife but some parts of the plant are toxic to humans. In landscaping, Japanese honeysuckle is used as a groundcover because its dense, fast-growing nature helps prevent weeds and improve soil health.
The Trumpet creeper is a flowering plant that climbs as it grows. It gets its nickname from its bright flowers, which are shaped like long trumpet bells. The shape matches them well with the hummingbirds that love to visit for the nectar. The Trumpet creeper is originally native to eastern North America.
Black-eyed susan vine (Thunbergia alata) is a vine species native to southern Asia, Madagascar, and Africa. This plant is called Black-eyed susan vine because its blossoms resemble the black-eyed Susan. Both plants have bright yellow petals and black centers. Black-eyed susan vine is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Bleeding-heart vine (Clerodendrum thomsoniae) is a bushy, evergreen vine with shiny green leaves and tropical-looking flowers. It grows well on a trellis and can grow to 15 feet long. Clusters of rich red and white blossoms bloom year-round but most prominently in summer. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Cup-and-saucer vine (Cobaea scandens) is a climbing perennial plant that is native to Mexico. It produces large purple cup- or bell-shaped flowers that have inspired both of its common names: Cup-and-saucer vine and “cathedral bells.” Because of its showy fragrant flowers, it is often cultivated as an ornamental plant and grown in gardens throughout the world.
Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) is a common ornamental vine in temperate regions, known for its rich, pendulous clusters of purple flowers. The flowers are very fragrant and have a scent similar to grapes. This plant is a beautiful addition to your spring garden, but be aware – all parts of Chinese wisteria are toxic when ingested.
Boston ivy is not ivy at all but is a member of the Vitaceae family. This means that it is less damaging than traditional ivy; its tendrils do not exploit weaknesses in masonry but attach to structures via sticky pads. The leaves of Boston ivy are glossy and green in summer and mature to beautiful scarlet or crimson in the fall.