Native Plants
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Wednesday - July 11, 2012
From: Grand Beach, MI
Region: Midwest
Topic: Xeriscapes, Vines
Title: climbing vine for growth in sand
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I live in Grand Beach, MI. My house sits on a sand dune. I want to plant a flowering vine that will grow up a fence. The area has plenty of sand and I have a trickle watering system. Can you please make some recommendations? Thank youANSWER:
Three native species come to mind. Campsis radicans (Trumpet creeper) is a rapidly growing vine that has showy tubular red flowers. It blooms all summer and is a hummingbird favorite. One potential problem is that it extends lateral roots and sends up shoots where you may not want them. A second and less invasive choice is Lonicera sempervirens (Coral honeysuckle). This vine also has clusters of tubular coral-red flowers. A third choice is Celastrus scandens (American bittersweet). American bittersweet has non-showy flowers followed by colorful clusters of berries.
Coral honeysuckle is semi-evergreen, but the other two species are deciduous.
I do not find a source of these vines in your vicinity. You may have to mail order them from this or another nursery.
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