List of Flowering Vines

Vines are a broad category of plants including deciduous and evergreen species; annuals, biennials and perennials; edible or strictly ornamental varieties; and those hardy from the extreme cold winters of the upper Midwest -- United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 and 3 -- to the hot, semitropical USDA zones 10 and 11 of southern Florida. No matter where you live, there is a flowering vine perfect for your yard.

Just because it is cold outside in winter is no reason to forgo the pleasures of flowering vines in northern summer gardens. Many cultivars of usually warmer-zoned vines, such as clematis (Clematis spp.) -- cultivars 'Miniseelik' and 'Suzy Mac' are two examples -- offer exceptional cold-hardiness to USDA zone 2. In general, this group of mostly deciduous vines features large, showy flowers in a variety of colors.

For something different in USDA zone 2, hops vine (Humulus lupulus) will obligingly take over your garden with interesting papery, flowerlike fruit clusters in summer while providing you with the makings for homemade beer when it's done.

Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens), a popular vine from USDA zone 3 to 8, is a great vine for both summer flowering and autumn berries that are useful for dried decorations. The morning glory (Convolvulus spp.) is another old standby available in almost any color and bicolors that is hardy to USDA zone 3.

So many wonderful vines inhabit this temperate zone midpoint that you may be hard pressed to choose only one for your home. You could pick the blazing orange, native, deciduous trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) -- also beloved by hummingbirds -- or something a bit different, such as Dutchman's pipe (Aristolochia durior) or the deliciously edible hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta 'Issai').

Wisteria, especially Kentucky wisteria (Wisteria macrostachya), is always a good choice for an arbor or covered patio -- so long as it has strong support. The grapelike clusters of lavender-purple flowers make an exceptionally lovely show in springtime. Although it may take three or more years to mature before first flowering, the resulting blooms are well worth the wait.

Sweet pea (Lathyrus latifolus) is another old-fashioned and highly fragrant vining favorite. Its pealike blooms and airy foliage make a delicate backdrop in the garden, and it blends well with more showy flowers in cut-flower bouquets. Under ideal conditions, however, it can sometimes be invasive.

Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.) are must haves for a semitropical environment. With their brilliant floral displays ranging from white to yellow, through all tints of pink and orange to red and violet, they are showy perennial vines in USDA zones 10 and 11. Evergreen and mostly drought tolerant once established, they make wonderful cover for patio trellises, hanging pots or arbors and banks. A few recommended bougainvillea varieties include red to bluish-red 'Barbara Karst,' deep orange maturing to light pink 'Sundown Orange,' delicate rose-pink 'Texas Dawn,' snow-white 'Jamaica White' and golden-yellow 'California Gold.'

Another excellent vine choice for these zones is mandevilla (Mandevilla spp.) -- especially the showy evergreen, pure pink 'Alice du Pont' and the white, deciduous 'Laxa,' also known as Chilean jasmine. Both climbers boast spectacular trumpet-shaped blooms, though the blooms of 'Laxa' are somewhat smaller. However, 'Laxa' makes up in fragrance what it lacks in size.

If scent, rather than showy color, tops your list, consider Confederate jasmine or star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides). Not a true jasmine, it is a highly fragrant jasminelike flowering vine with the bonus of better hardiness than the true, semitropical jasmines. The cultivar 'Madison' is particularly hardy for those borderline areas in USDA zone 8 -- where cold weather sometimes creeps in -- up to USDA zone 11.

No matter where you live, something will grow. To discover recommended plants for your specific area and soil or climatic conditions, consult your local university extension service, county or state soil and water department or state conservation department.