While we can enjoy fall colors in the flowerbed from old favorites such as goldenrod, the michaelmas daisy asters and coneflowers we should not overlook the climbing vines which can also add a great splash of color at this season. I came across an article by Ann Wilson which I found on the Birds and Blooms website which describes ten of these useful plants.
Vines aren?t for everyone. They need proper support, they can require a little more maintenance and many can quickly get aggressive. But with a little research and planning, you can choose perennial backyard vines that look charming throughout the growing season, staging a grand finale just as summer wanes. Check the invasive species list in your area before planting, and then enjoy the top picks that will work well in your backyard.
Accommodate Wild Visitors
Native vines provide shelter, food and nectar to resident and visiting wildlife precisely when they need it. Here?s a look at a few North American native vines that deserve a spot in your wildlife garden.
- Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans, Zones 4-9):? A prolific vine bearing late-season orange or scarlet trumpet flowers that attract bevies of hummingbirds.
- Wild passion flower (Passiflora incarnata, Zones 5-9):? A larval host plant for an array of butterflies, this vine features striking fringed flowers that supply nectar to butterflies from July through September. Edible fruits called maypops mature in fall to feed the birds.
- Virgin?s bower (Clematis virginiana, Zones 4-9):? Densely growing plant that flowers from July through September and supplies birds with shelter, nesting sites, nest-building materials and seeds that persist into winter.
Stand back and watch this native vine take off. It provides thick green summer coverage and contributes to autumn?s color show with leaves that shade to flaming red and deep burgundy. Keep pruners handy to keep this vigorous grower in bounds. It can be difficult to remove from buildings. Also, don?t grow up wood or vinyl siding.
Why we love it: People enjoy the bright-red foliage, while birds dote on the blue-black berries.
You?ve got to love a perennial that looks attractive throughout the growing season. These vines produce narrow pyramidal clusters of fragrant creamy flowers from midsummer through frost. It is invasive in some areas, so look for Sweet Autumn clematis as an alternative in those areas.
Why we love it: It has the look of Sweet Autumn clematis but grows up to 15 feet in the first year?which means more flowers faster! What?s not to like about that?
Go to the next page to see more great climbing vines for fall color.
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