Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - August 12, 2015
From: Raleigh, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Vines
Title: Vine with big flowers or fruits
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I need a vine that will take over a 8ft wide x 12 ft high lattice. It will be the center piece of the front of the house. It will be In sun almost constantly throughout the day. I'd like something with big flowers or fruits, that attracts a lot of attention.ANSWER:
Here are some recommendations for vines with showy flowers:
Bignonia capreolata (Crossvine) is evergreen.
Campsis radicans (Trumpet creeper) may be agressive—read the comments on the species page.
Gelsemium rankinii (Swamp jessamine) is evergreen and will do well in moist areas. Both this and the next species (Carolina jessamine) have toxic properties. Read the discussion on the Carolina jessamine species page.
Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina jessamine) is evergreen and will do well in drier areas.
Lonicera sempervirens (Coral honeysuckle) is evergreen.
Passiflora incarnata (Purple passionflower) has showy flowers but is not a woody vine.
Wisteria frutescens (American wisteria) is our native wisteria. If you decide on this one, be sure that what you buy is not either of the non-native invasive wisterias—Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria), or Wisteria floribunda (Japanese wisteria).
You can find more vines for your area by doing a COMBINATION SEARCH in our Native Plant Database and choosing North Carolina from the Select State or Province option and Vine from Habit (general appearance.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Prickly vine for fire escape in Boston
February 23, 2010 - I live in Boston area and would like to plant a prickly vine that will grow on my fire escape. What do you recommend?
view the full question and answer
Late emergence of passiflora incarnata hybrid in Austin
April 11, 2010 - Two years ago I planted in my clay soil garden a variation on native passiflora incarnata; the passiflora Elizabeth (a cross between passiflora incarnata and passiflora phoenicia)because I hoped it pr...
view the full question and answer
How to distinguish male and female grape vines in Gage OK.
August 19, 2012 - Are there male and female plants for wild grapes? If so, how do we tell the difference?
view the full question and answer
When to prune Texas Coral Honeysuckle in Iredell, TX?
January 31, 2012 - When can I prune Texas coral honeysuckle? It needs to be pruned so that it will fill out. Also, how much do I prune it?
Thank you,
view the full question and answer
Front Door Vine in Alabama
March 02, 2013 - I live in Birmingham, AL in a large-scale, white brick, French-style home. I would like to have a vine over my front door. I don't want an invasive vine (seed pods that create new vines or attaches t...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |