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

rate this answer

Thursday - December 10, 2009
From: Los Angeles, CA
Region: California
Topic: Vines
Title: Vine for privacy on a deck in Southern California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am looking for a climbing vine/plant that is non-flowering and can be grown year round in Southern California. We are looking to help create a private area along a deck for my grandmother because her deck is close to the road. She prefers that there are no flowers or strong scents. Thank you in advance, I've been searching online and surprising cannot find anything.ANSWER:
Well, perhaps we can find a vine with flowers that are not showy, but all the vines native to Southern California we know about are flowering plants. Here are some suggested vines native to Southern California:
The following vines have flowers that are NOT considered fragrant:
Calystegia macrostegia (California morning glory) should remain evergreen with adequate summer water.
Keckiella cordifolia (heartleaf keckiella) should be evergreen in Los Angeles. Here are photos.Vitis californica (California wild grape) is deciduous. Here are photos and information about Roger's Red cultivar.
Vitis girdiana (desert wild grape) and here are more photos and information.
Parthenocissus vitacea (woodbine) and here are photos and more information.
The flowers on the following vines ARE considered fragrant:
Clematis lasiantha (pipestem clematis) is deciduous and fragrant.
Clematis ligusticifolia (western white clematis) is deciduous and fragrant.
Lonicera hispidula (pink honeysuckle) is deciduous and fragrant. Here are more photos and information.
Here are some photos from our Image Gallery:
More Vines Questions
Identification of vine with gourd-like fruit
June 30, 2010 - We live on a farm, and I have noticed a vine that has leaves like grapes, but produces this flower, and a fruit that is rather large, shaped like a gourd, right now green in color. It is growing over ...
view the full question and answer
Identification of vine with feathery leaves and deep pink flowers
July 28, 2014 - I have growing up my porch what appears to be a vine with feathery leaves and small deep pink flowers. There is no water sources near by. Can you tell me what it is?
view the full question and answer
Questions about Clematis virginiana in Austin, TX.
August 26, 2011 - Hello! I have a few questions regarding Clematis virginiana. Is it scented? Does it attract birds and butterflies? Do only female flowers get the feathery plumes? If yes, how do I know if ...
view the full question and answer
Wisteria and Non-Poisonous Native Vines
February 15, 2012 - I'm from central Texas and I'm wanting to plant a native vine that will work well around the public, mainly kids. It's a mostly sunny trellis that makes an arch. I'd like to plant the native Wiste...
view the full question and answer
Care of Passiflora incarnata or Passiflora coccinea
July 04, 2007 - Hi- I have two passionflowers, one red, one purple. I live in upstate NY. They grow very well up onto trellises, however, they have stopped producing flowers. Both are planted in pots (fairly large)...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |