Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Wednesday - July 11, 2012
From: Grand Beach, MI
Region: Midwest
Topic: Xeriscapes, Vines
Title: climbing vine for growth in sand
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I live in Grand Beach, MI. My house sits on a sand dune. I want to plant a flowering vine that will grow up a fence. The area has plenty of sand and I have a trickle watering system. Can you please make some recommendations? Thank youANSWER:
Three native species come to mind. Campsis radicans (Trumpet creeper) is a rapidly growing vine that has showy tubular red flowers. It blooms all summer and is a hummingbird favorite. One potential problem is that it extends lateral roots and sends up shoots where you may not want them. A second and less invasive choice is Lonicera sempervirens (Coral honeysuckle). This vine also has clusters of tubular coral-red flowers. A third choice is Celastrus scandens (American bittersweet). American bittersweet has non-showy flowers followed by colorful clusters of berries.
Coral honeysuckle is semi-evergreen, but the other two species are deciduous.
I do not find a source of these vines in your vicinity. You may have to mail order them from this or another nursery.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Purple leatherflower with white bloom
July 17, 2014 - A couple of years ago at the wildflower center native plant sale I bought a purple leatherflower according to the tag. This is the first year it has bloomed and the blooms are pure white. The shape ma...
view the full question and answer
Should Ipomea alba be planted in a yard in Spring, TX?
April 23, 2012 - I would like to know if there is any reason not to plant Tropical Morning glory (Moon Flower-Ipomoea alba)in my yard. Is it toxic or aggressivley invasive? I am looking at a space in my side yard wi...
view the full question and answer
Vines for fence in Gatesville, Texas
July 26, 2010 - Dear Mr Smarty Plants,
My wife and I are looking for a nice vine or Ivy for our chain link fence to add a little privacy. We have 4 dogs that bark at anything that moves. We live in Gatesville Tex...
view the full question and answer
Transplanting honeysuckle
September 02, 2006 - How do I transplant Honeysuckle?
view the full question and answer
Evergreen vine for Wimberley, Texas
June 02, 2009 - I live in the hill country in Wimberley Texas. I am looking for a fast growing, blooming evergreen vine for a privacy lattice wall between small houses. Can you recommend one of several plants? Thank ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |