Buying Guide for Vine Plants
A vine
is any plant with a growth habit of trailing or scandent (that is, climbing) stems, lianas or runners. The word vine can also refer to such stems or runners themselves, for instance, when used in wicker work. In parts of the world, including the British Isles, the term "vine" usually applies exclusively to grapevines, while the term "climber" is used for all climbing plants. A vine displays a growth form based on very long stems. This has two purposes. A vine may use rock exposures, other plants, or other supports for growth rather than investing energy in a lot of supportive tissue, enabling the plant to reach sunlight with a minimum investment of energy.
Benefits of Vine Plants
Shade
Tall trees might be able to cast shade, but they consume a fair amount of space and pose a risk of falling on the nearest building. Vines eliminate these problems while still providing shade that matches the changing temperatures of the growing season. Man-made structures, like awnings, don’t compensate for the lag between the sun’s angle in the sky and actual temperatures. These plants won’t block out the sun until it’s warm enough in the area to bring out their leaves. The leaves will still be there when the sun is low on those warm autumn days.
Privacy
The big advantage of a vine over a shrub (for creating privacy) is its growth habit takes up less depth in the yard. By hugging a fence or trellis, vines leave more room for other things. It’s important to pair the right vine with the right fence material though. Wooden fences work best with annuals, like morning glories and moonflowers, that doesn’t hold much moisture against them. Metal and vinyl fences have more options such as perennial clematis or trumpet vine.
Protection
Between the tendrils, rootlets, and the twining stems themselves, it might seem like these plants could create problems as they scale walls. They potentially can, if the walls in question already have cracks and gaps that they could invade. For properly maintained buildings, vines can actually do just the opposite. Their shade creates a comparatively stable temperature zone next to the wall. There are less expansion and contraction to cause fissures. Also, the covering of leaves blocks some of the UV sunlight that can damage a home’s exterior.
Beautification
Not every wall that a vine ascends is necessarily attractive. A plain chain link fence or a concrete wall can be an eyesore. A vine supplies a natural solution to this problem and it doesn’t demand as much care. Flowering vines take things further with beautiful flowers and by attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.
Factors to Consider Before Buying of Vine Plants
Climbing Hydragea
If given enough room to grow, climbing hydrangea can reach tall heights. They are also heavy so they need support. They need full sun to partial shade and any soil conditions will do just fine.
Stem Rooms
Stem root climbing plants use clingy stem roots to attach themselves to surfaces. These roots are strong, so strong they can damage paint when removed. It’s recommended you grow stem root climbers on homes and use trees or a trellis for support.
Boston Ivy
Boston ivy prefers full sun to light shade with slightly moist to slightly dry conditions. Soil with clay or stony material is optimal for growth.
Climbing Roses
Climbing roses can grow very tall but have flexible canes so they can climb many types of surfaces. Some species need full sun and others grow best in partial shade.
Conclusion
This ultimately depends on the type of climbing plant you choose to cultivate. In the spring, you can choose from clematis, which looks beautiful on pergolas or arches. Summertime is great for star jasmine, honeysuckles and roses. Fall and winter are great for grape vines, Virginia creepers and ivy.
To know more about your buying options, look through some of the best products that we have listed in our featured section above. They are reviewed and recommended based on their quality, performance and durability.
