Vines That Like Sun
Trailing upward, vines that like the sun can grow up a fence, trellis, or an arbor with various purposes in the landscape. Vertical vines can be used to add privacy or block a view from next door. An arbor can be used as an entrance to an area of the yard or garden. Loaded with flowering vines, it becomes even more spectacular. Below are some popular vines for full sun that will add a pop of color and a wow factor to the garden:
Bougainvillea grows as an annual in the northern part of the U.S. It’s an old-fashioned beauty with blooms that appear in spring and remain until summer’s heat is too much for them. Colorful bracts and modified leaves on this plant surround the tiny, white flowers. It flowers best in a full sun area, getting at least six hours. Winter protection may be needed when growing bougainvillea in colder areas.
Clematis is another beauty that performs most prolifically when growing upward. C. jackmanni is perhaps the favorite of the many types of clematis. Velvet-like, deep purple blooms fade to lilac as they wind down their summerlong show. This is one of the plants described as liking cool feet, or shade on the roots, while the foliage and flowers prefer the sun. Keep roots moist and add an attractive mulch to help keep them cool.
Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) is also a favorite with northern gardeners because of its early flowers. Light-colored green foliage provides an unusual look when these sun-tolerant vines display foliage and blooms before spring becomes a season. Some years blooms appear as early as January. It is easy to get established and easy to care for. While the plant normally has shrubby growth, it is easily trained to grow vertically. Direct winter jasmine upward and you’ll find it easily cooperates with your direction.
American Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) is a counterclockwise twining grower with woody stems. It is native to moist thickets and swampy pond and stream areas in the U.S., reaching from Illinois south to Florida and beyond. Most grow it in the landscape for attractive purple blooms. These are among the hardiest vines for full sun and benefit from a sturdy support. Grow it in humus type soil that is regularly moist and slightly acidic. Pruning is necessary for this vine to continue flowering. American wisteria is not invasive, unlike the two other wisteria types.
