Vines are among the most adaptable of plants. Most tolerate a range of growing conditions and even thrive on neglect. When choosing a vine, consider size and rate of growth. Some vines grow rampantly in warm, mild climates, requiring constant pruning to keep them within bounds. Select a moderate grower if you don't have the time to maintain more vigorous varieties.
Vines for Full Sun
Golden Tiara clematis (Clematis tangutica) blooms best in full sun, although it tolerates partial shade. It produces large, exotic yellow flowers from late summer to fall, when most vines have petered out. Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans) also tolerates shade, but thrives in full sun. This plant grows quickly to 30 feet and produces yellow trumpet-shaped blooms from late summer to fall. Trumpet creeper attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Both are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9.
Vines for Shade
Most vines bloom best in full sun, but a few tolerate partial to deep shade. For your shady garden, try Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), which grows quickly to 30 feet long and produces fragrant white flowers that fade to yellow. Nugget hops (Humulus lupulus) tolerates both sun and shade. This plant grows up to 30 feet long and produces yellow cone-like flowers in spring through summer. Exotic Winter jasmine (J. nudiflorum) produces yellow flowers in late fall to winter. All are hardy in USDA zones 5 through at least 8. Japanese honeysuckle is hardy to zone 9.
Black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia alata) is hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11 only, where it is an evergreen plant that blooms most of the year. In zones 8 and 9, it is best grown as a tender annual. The plant produces large, cheery flowers with dark brown or black centers. Spanish flag (Mina lobata) is an annual vine with spikes of flag-like flowers in the fall. The flowers are initially scarlet, but fade to orange and then yellow. Moonflower (Ipomoea) is a fast-growing vine treated as a perennial in zones 9 and 10. It produces large white, cream or yellow flowers that bloom only at night.
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a member of the cucurbit family and is hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11 only. It produces showy yellow flowers followed by edible fruit. As the fruit matures, it splits open to reveal bright red pulp.
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