The
Magic of Annual Vines
by Jackie Carroll
For
the cost of a packet of seeds, you can quickly create a show
stopping garden accent or a living hideaway for children, hide
a rusty chain link fence or an unsightly garage wall, and turn
an ordinary balcony into a private garden. Started from seeds,
annual vines will scramble to heights of 20 feet or more, highlighting
features you want to show off and covering eyesores.
Here are just a few of the many uses for annual vines:
Annual
vines are easy to grow. They like a sunny location with good
quality, well drained soil. Plant your seeds according to the
package directions, and keep them evenly moist until they germinate.
After germination, you'll only need to water when the weather
has been extremely hot or dry. Use fertilizers sparingly. An
abundance of nitrogen will encourage your vines to produce an
abundance of dark green foliage and few flowers.
Have your trellises or other support in place when you plant your
seeds. If you can't plant right next to the support, insert
twigs into the soil next to the seeds to lead the vines to their
intended support. If the vine can't find its support right away,
it will waste time searching and reaching for something to grab
on to.
Recommended Annual Vines
Black Eyed Susan Vine
Unlike many climbing vines, this one isn't invasive so it can
be incorporated into existing gardens without fear of crowding
out existing plants. It's a great choice for hanging baskets
and window boxes.
Height: 5' to 10' trailing vine
Cardinal Climber Vine
The deep red flowers with white or yellow throats are sure to
draw attention to your trellises, fences and poles.
Height: 6' to 20' vine
Cypress Vine
This vine can add a tropical texture to your landscape with
its interesting foliage and mix of bright red, pink and white
flowers. With the right conditions, it grows to 20 feet.
Height: 8' to 10' vine
Hyacinth Bean Vine
This striking vine will have your visitors asking if it's real!
The flowers are followed by velvety purple bean pods.
Height: 6' - 20' vine
Mina Lobata
'Firecracker Vine' or 'Exotic Love,' this unusual, exciting,
interesting annual vine has up to 12 beautiful 2" tubular
flowers on each spike. Performs well on trellises and in hanging
baskets.
Height: 6' to 10'
Moonflower
Plant this fast-growing vine on a porch, near an entrance, or
under a window where you can enjoy the evening performance and
heady fragrance. The flowers bloom only at night, and unfold
in 2-3 minutes, and event worth waiting for!
Height: 10' to 20' vine
Morning Glories
In the summer, flowers open in the morning, and in the fall
they stay open all day. Morning glories are grown as a groundcover
in difficult areas.
Height: 8' - 10' vine
About the Author:
Jackie Carroll is the editor of GardenGuides.com, a leading
internet destination for gardening information and ideas.
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