Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Thursday - October 29, 2009

From: Alta Loma, CA
Region: California
Topic: Vines
Title: Trellis plant for Southern California
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

What is the best selection for a trellis plant? I live in Southern CA (zip 91701), and the area is on the southern part of our home with little or no shade. Thanks!

ANSWER:

Without being quite sure about the size and sturdiness of your trellis, I am recommending several vines native to your area that should work.  After reading about the size and heft of these and general growing conditions, you can decide which ones fit your site.

Maurandella antirrhiniflora (roving sailor)

Clematis ligusticifolia (western white clematis)

Clematis lasiantha (pipestem clematis)

Calystegia macrostegia (California morning glory)

Vicia americana (American vetch)  and here are more photos and information

Funastrum cynanchoides (fringed twinevine) and here are photos and more information

Keckiella cordifolia (heartleaf keckiella) and here are photos and more information

Vitis californica (California wild grape) and here are photos and more information

Vitis girdiana (desert wild grape)

Lonicera hispidula (pink honeysuckle)


Maurandella antirrhiniflora

Clematis ligusticifolia

Clematis lasiantha

Calystegia macrostegia

Vicia americana

Vitis girdiana

Funastrum cynanchoides ssp. cynanchoides

Lonicera hispidula

 

More Vines Questions

Pruning Bittersweet Vine
December 29, 2009 - I am interested in learning how to prune my American bittersweet. The vine has enjoyed it's second summer in my backyard. I would like learn how to prune it, not only for size, but to help keep the...
view the full question and answer

Passiflora incarnata 'Alba' cultivar or hybrid from Birmingham AL
January 13, 2014 - Is Passiflora incarnata 'Alba' a cultivar or a hybrid?
view the full question and answer

Vine for a fence in San Saba County, Texas
October 22, 2012 - I want to plant vines on a deer proof fence close to my house for privacy. Are there any vines that stay green year round? Also what breed of vine would you recommend for several hundred feet of fenc...
view the full question and answer

Non-native Purple Hyacinth from Sylvania OH
May 21, 2012 - I am wondering if I plant a Purple Hyacinth Bean vine seed under a tree and allow it to grow up the tree trunk, will it kill the tree?
view the full question and answer

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

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.