Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - August 12, 2015
From: Raleigh, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Vines
Title: Vine with big flowers or fruits
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I need a vine that will take over a 8ft wide x 12 ft high lattice. It will be the center piece of the front of the house. It will be In sun almost constantly throughout the day. I'd like something with big flowers or fruits, that attracts a lot of attention.ANSWER:
Here are some recommendations for vines with showy flowers:
Bignonia capreolata (Crossvine) is evergreen.
Campsis radicans (Trumpet creeper) may be agressive—read the comments on the species page.
Gelsemium rankinii (Swamp jessamine) is evergreen and will do well in moist areas. Both this and the next species (Carolina jessamine) have toxic properties. Read the discussion on the Carolina jessamine species page.
Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina jessamine) is evergreen and will do well in drier areas.
Lonicera sempervirens (Coral honeysuckle) is evergreen.
Passiflora incarnata (Purple passionflower) has showy flowers but is not a woody vine.
Wisteria frutescens (American wisteria) is our native wisteria. If you decide on this one, be sure that what you buy is not either of the non-native invasive wisterias—Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria), or Wisteria floribunda (Japanese wisteria).
You can find more vines for your area by doing a COMBINATION SEARCH in our Native Plant Database and choosing North Carolina from the Select State or Province option and Vine from Habit (general appearance.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Distinguishing native Celastrus scandens from non-native C. Orbiculatus from Lexington MA
June 08, 2014 - Dear Mr. Plants,
I maintain a wildflower garden with the Lexington Field and Garden Club in Lexington, Massachusetts.
Every year, I pull up sprouts of Celastris orbiulatis. I want to plan...
view the full question and answer
Plants for 100 gal. pot by pool from Ft. Worth TX
June 23, 2012 - What North Texas evergreen — or combination of evergreen plants, bushes or trees — could thrive in a huge, 100-gallon clay pot (immovable!) that is situated in full sun year round in an exposed area n...
view the full question and answer
Wisteria and Non-Poisonous Native Vines
February 15, 2012 - I'm from central Texas and I'm wanting to plant a native vine that will work well around the public, mainly kids. It's a mostly sunny trellis that makes an arch. I'd like to plant the native Wiste...
view the full question and answer
Want a vine, non-toxic to dogs, for Reno, NV.
September 11, 2012 - I want a non toxic (to dogs) vine for Reno, NV
view the full question and answer
Conditions for wisteria bloom on Ontario, Canada
November 05, 2005 - I live in Ontario Canada, and about 4 years ago I bought a shrub which was called wisteria. I loved this bush when I visited a cousin out in British Columbia. The problem is it has no trouble growing ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |