Top 10 Backyard Vines With Fall Flair

(Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Zones 3-9)

Stand back and watch this native vine take off. It provides thick green summer coverage and contributes to autumn’s color show with leaves that shade to flaming red and deep burgundy. Keep pruners handy to keep this vigorous grower in bounds. It can be difficult to remove from buildings. Also, don’t grow up wood or vinyl siding.

Why we love it: People enjoy the bright-red foliage, while birds dote on the blue-black berries.

(Polygonum aubertii, Zones 4-7)

You’ve got to love a perennial that looks attractive throughout the growing season. These vines produce narrow pyramidal clusters of fragrant creamy flowers from midsummer through frost. It is invasive in some areas, so look for Sweet Autumn clematis as an alternative in those areas.

Why we love it: It has the look of Sweet Autumn clematis but grows up to 15 feet in the first year—which means more flowers faster! What’s not to like about that?

(Vitis vinifera ‘Purpurea,’ Zones 6-9)

This compact plant produces somewhat bitter grapes but is beloved for its foliage. The leaves turn from green in spring to purple in summer and then to blazing red in fall.

Why we love it: In addition to the colorful leaves, these easy-to-grow vines produce black grapes that provide an extra punch of color in autumn.

(Clematis paniculata, Zones 4-9)

This gotta-have-it vine stops garden visitors in their tracks, thanks to clouds of late-season blossoms on stems growing to 20 feet. The flowers are followed in fall by masses of silvery seed heads, which we think are almost as pretty as the blooms.

Why we love it: The smell! The fragrance of these blooms is incredible and a welcome addition to any garden.

(Actinidia kolomikta, Zones 4-8)

Forget flowers—this vine’s value is in its foliage and fruit. Splashes of white or pink mark heart-shaped green leaves, while tiny greenish-yellow edible fruits sprout on female plants in fall.

Why we love it: Exotic leaves and unusual fruits growing on 20-foot stems make this a visual standout. Note: You need one male plant to pollinate every three to five female plants.

(Celastrus scandens, Zones 3 to 8)

A must for fall arrangements, fiery bittersweet berries are just as captivating in the garden. Spherical orange-yellow fruits split open in fall to reveal seeds that entice hungry birds. It is aggressive, so be aware. Also, don’t grow the invasive Oriental bittersweet; it’s bad news!

Why we love it: While you usually need one male plant to pollinate every six to nine female plants, you can get fruit from a single one with the new cultivar, Autumn Revolution.

(Parthenocissus tricuspidata, Zones 4-9)

Providing foliage that changes in color with the season, Boston ivy grows to 60 feet high and produces green foliage that turns reddish-purple in autumn. This vine is invasive in some areas (especially the Northeast). Plant with care in other areas, and don’t grow up wood or vinyl siding.

Why we love it: Sticky tendrils shinny up most surfaces. Dark-blue berries attract birds in fall.

(Ampelopsis brevipedunculata, Zones 4 to 8)

This vine is all about the berries! Come fall, 20-foot stems are covered with showy light-blue fruits that shade to porcelain blue as they ripen. Elegans is even lovelier, with pink and white variegated leaves. Avoid growing this beauty where it’s listed as invasive. Go to nps.gov/plants/alien to do a search.

Why we love it: Large grapevine-like leaves provide growing-season appeal and spotlight the fall berries sprouting on inner stems.

(Hydrangea anomala petiolaris, Zones 4-8)

Though this clinging plant takes a few seasons to become established, you’ll find its lightly scented white lace-cap flowers well worth the wait. Leaves on these sturdy plants change to yellow with frost. Branches boast exfoliating bark.

Why we love it: A riotous grower with 80-foot stems and a broad reach, climbing hydrangea inexpensively and extravagantly cloaks fences, sheds and arbors. Do not grow on wood or vinyl sided buildings.

(Lonicera sempervirens, Zones 4-9)

You’ll marvel at the flowers blanketing these fast-growing vines from summer though fall. Try Major Wheeler, which bears bright-red blossoms and is said to be more mildew resistant than most.

Why we love it: The tubular blooms, often orange or red with yellowish centers, attract butterflies and hummingbirds like crazy. Little scarlet berries provide food for birds.