Vines and Vining Shrubs
The subtropics and tropics offer a huge variety of flowering vines for fence, pergola or trellis. Some of our favorites are illustrated below. Check for availability.
Allamanda cathartica - Cherry Jubilee Allamanda
Fast growing, old standby for southern front porch trellises originating from Brazil. Flowers in spring, summer and fall with large cherry-colored blooms thus the name Cherry Jubilee. The plant will reach 8 feet or more in full sun. May go dormant during a cold winter. Low salt tolerance and medium drought tolerance. Poisonous if eaten. Zones 10-11
Aristolochia
elegans - Dutchman's Pipe
Also called Calico flower, this perennial vine originates from Brazil and bears strange dark red and cream colored heart-shaped flowers in spring and summer. It is especially good for pergola planting. It also attracts butterflies. It has low salt and medium drought tolerance. Zones 9-11
Beaumontia grandiflora - Herald's
Trumpet
Large showy fragrant trumpet-shaped white flowers appear winter through spring on this large vine that needs strong support. Fast growing from NE India. Low salt and medium drought tolerance. Zones 10-11
Clitoria ternatea - Butterfly Pea, Double Blue
A perennial twining vine with 2-3 inch dark blue and white flowers which bloom early spring through fall. It is usually dormant in the winter and frequently self-seeds the area under which it is planted. Our offer is a double blue. white or alba forms exist as well. Good for chain link fences. Prefers full sun and well drained soil. This species originates from tropical Asia. Zones 10-12
Congea
tomentosa - Shower of Orchids
A perennial climbing, woody spreading shrub from Burma that has unusual fuzzy shoots and hairy leaves. Huge sprays of pinkish-mauve flowers appear in the spring. Very nice on a large pergola. Needs full sun and well-drained soil. It has medium salt and medium drought tolerance. Available only periodically.
Zones 10-11
Holmskioldia sanguinea - Red Mandarin Hat
May be grown as a shrub or a vine. A year-round bloomer from the Himalayas, of all places, but does just fine in South Florida. Full sun is best. Unusual deep red flower color in this variety. Available periodically. Zones 10-11
Hoya pubicalyx - Hoya
This Hoya has lovely deep pink, waxy, long lasting umbels of flowers. A vining plant that is especially suited to hanging baskets and likes dappled shade or part sun. Likes humid conditions. Hoyas are native to Australia, India, China and the Pacific islands.
picture by Bob Mathers
Jasminum nitidum - Shining
Jasmine
A strong growing, evergreen climber (to 20 feet) with glossy dark green leaves and slightly fragrant white flowers borne in small sprays. May be kept hedge-like with pruning. Blooming seasons are spring through summer. Medium drought/salt tolerance. Zones 10-11
Lonicera X americana - Honeysuckle
Clusters of fragrant pink flowers decorate this perennial vine throughout the year but mainly in spring and summer. Older flowers fade to yellow. It has a fast growth rate, has medium drought and medium salt tolerance and wide temperature tolerance. Zones 5-10
Petrea
volubilis - Purple Queen's Wreath
An outstanding evergreen ornamental vine from the Caribbean. Blue blooms are produced in profusion late winter through the summer and sometimes all year-round. It will grow on a trellis or fence, or stand alone as a bush. It has a medium growth rate, medium salt tolerance and medium drought tolerance. Zones 10-11
taken at Fairchild Tropical Garden
Pyrostegia venusta- Brazilian Flame Vine
Incredible masses of brilliant orange blossoms in winter and spring on this fast growing evergreen vine from Brazil and Paraguay. It is very drought tolerant once established but has poor salt tolerance. Excellent cover and showy display for arbor or pergola. Zones 10-11
Saritea magnifica syn. Bignonia magnifica
Perennial evergreen climber with tendrils that is perfect for pergolas and trellises. It blooms with large heads of rosy-blue flowers shaped like trumpets late winter through summer. It is native to South America. We have no information as to its salt or drought tolerance.
Zones 10-11
Stephanotis
floribunda -
Madagascar
Jasmine
An intensely fragrant pure white flowering, perennial vine from Madagascar. The clusters of tubular blooms are used for wedding bouquets. It blooms in cycles all year, but primarily in the summer. It is a very elegant fence covering with a medium growth rate. Trim to promote branching and more flowering. We recommend full sun for maximum flowering. It has high drought tolerance once established, and medium salt tolerance. Zones 10-11
Strictocardia
beraviensis
An evergreen, fast growing vine to 30 feet blooms throughout the year with brilliant orange and reddish pink flowers. Good coverage for a fence or pergola. It is native to Africa. We have no information as to its drought and salt tolerance. Zones 10-11
Thunbergia grandiflora
- Bengal Clock Vine, Blue Sky Vine
A classic flowering,evergreen vine which provides good cover and year-round blooms. Dense and fast-growing for fences or pergolas. Needs full sun for at least part of the day for good blooming. Low salt tolerance and medium drought tolerance. From tropical India. Zones 10-11
Trachelospermum
jasminoides
-
‘Confederate’
or ‘Star’ Jasmine
A very fragrant, flowering, evergreen vine from China. White flowers appear primarily in the spring. Will thrive in partial shade to sunny locations. It can be used as a climber or as a ground cover. It works well along chain link fences, as it is a twiner. It has medium salt and medium drought tolerance. Zones 8-11
