Vines aren’t for everyone. They need proper support, they can require a little more maintenance and many can quickly get aggressive. But with a little research and planning, you can choose perennial backyard vines that look charming throughout the growing season, staging a grand finale just as summer wanes. Check the invasive species list in your area before planting, and then enjoy the top picks that will work well in your backyard.
Accommodate Wild Visitors
Native vines provide shelter, food and nectar to resident and visiting wildlife precisely when they need it. Here’s a look at a few North American native vines that deserve a spot in your wildlife garden.
- Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans, Zones 4-9): A prolific vine bearing late-season orange or scarlet trumpet flowers that attract bevies of hummingbirds.
- Wild passion flower (Passiflora incarnata, Zones 5-9): A larval host plant for an array of butterflies, this vine features striking fringed flowers that supply nectar to butterflies from July through September. Edible fruits called maypops mature in fall to feed the birds.
- Virgin’s bower (Clematis virginiana, Zones 4-9): Densely growing plant that flowers from July through September and supplies birds with shelter, nesting sites, nest-building materials and seeds that persist into winter.
(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.
CLAUDIA says
I LOVE THIS CLEMATIS–Mine covers two fences like in the picture but perhaps is even bigger…
growingranny_va_z7 says
My sweet autumn clematis tore the entire trellis off of the side of the barn, I have it growing on the ground on two sides of the barn now.
JD says
Planting Virginia Creeper was the biggest mistake we ever made. The first few years were great & then it started popping up all over our yard from runners it was sending underground. It has choked our lilac bushes & trumpet vines and impossible to get rid of.
chris says
The only time stuff gets choked is when you don’t keep up with weeding. Any serious gardener would catch it before it gets to that point unless not physically able to. I don’t like using chemicals but have heard that if you cut a hole in a piece of cardboard and spot treat any small areas with a vegetation kill and cover it with mulch to prevent contact with wildlife, this can be very effective at controlling any problems. Also planting in a less than ideal location – shade, poor soil, etc, will help.
Elaine says
Virginia creeper, bittersweet, wisteria & perennial sweet pea are over running my yard. The bittersweet kills the trees it winds itself around. Once you plant it there is no way to control it. Believe me, I’ve tried.
Sally Cormier says
I agree with you, these are bad choices for most backyards.
susan blais says
we also planted Virginia creeper when we bought our house 17 years ago. It has also grown out of control, growing up and into several large fir trees. We don’t know how to get rid of it! Don’t plant this one, you’ll be sorry.
Vicki Wade says
The Virginia Creeper is like Poison Ivy to some people. When I tried to get rid of it because it was coming through my fence and climbing up my garage wall, I made the mistake of wiping my face with because of sweat and I paid the price, I ended up going to the doctor because it was so close to my eye. You have to kill the root to get rid of it which I did.
Terry says
English ivy is a much better choice. Covers well and doesn’t send runners. It can be trimmed or cut back when the leaves fall . Beautiful and green all summer, and it never needs water !
Bee says
English Ivy is considered invasive! The birds eat the berries and spread it to the forests.
Juanita says
I’m in the same predicament and have no idea how to get rid of it.
Sue says
Some people (like me) are allergic to the sap of Virginia creeper so beware!
Marie says
Can you start this plant from a clipping? If so, do I start it in water or directly in soil, and what time of year?
Darcy says
Sure seems you’ve highlighted quite a number of “aggressive” and “invasive” plants! And how many are introduced and/or non-native? IMHO, I don’t think it’s very smart to promote such plants. Even if someone assiduously keeps one of these trimmed and pruned, the seeds will spread…and trouble will start elsewhere. 🙁
Daniel says
A very beautiful story, with very beautiful photographs…. I love all your photographs……
elizabethsagarminaga says
I love your article when I came across this wonderful backyard along with its lovely vines that has created a secured and jovial environment . Blazing foliage, colorful berries and fetching flowers can give an appealing touch to your backyard and can bring greenery in your yard. I work with California fence Company that provides an ultimate fencing product for your patch in very small budget. Thanks for nice shots.
Joe M. says
I would appreciate information on your company’s fencing product. The problem with most vines is one of SPREAD (“invasive”). This must be considered when introcuding vines into the landscape plan. You must plan to contain them and therefore a fencing pproduct like the one mentioned may be a solution to this situation.
susy says
i too would like info on your company please.
Kathy says
Virginia Creeper is invasive!! Also, I just finished my third round of steroids this summer due to allergic reaction from this very poison plant!! BEWARE! I would NEVER plant this stuff.
Barbara MacDonald says
Bittersweet! Seriously? Bittersweet is an invasive plant that is banned for sale or importation in my state (Mass) and from what I could see on the Internet many many others.
Cher says
Barbara, they are referring to “American” bittersweet. Not the “oriental” vine banned in MA.
Mary Sparrow says
I have a porcelain vine on the south side of our house in very hot, full sun and does great in this spot. It is one of my favorite plants by far and pretty drought tolerant. I just cut it back when it appears to be growing further than I want it to. It attracts bees but we need bees in our environment, and the foliage and berries are exquisite. This plant was suggested to me by the owner of my favorite greenhouse in our area and she has recommended other plants are have become my favorites. I also have 2 trumpet vines that I love. I cut one of them almost right down to the ground every spring and it comes back beautifully every year. I love vines but they do have to be tended to. However, that would never deter me from having them. They add so much to the landscape.
Bee says
Birds love the porcelain berries and carry it everywhere! It was a weed in my yard and not easy to get rid of.
Mary Sparrow says
I also have a climbing hydrangea which I love and it is not at all invasive…just trim it to fit within the area you want it to grow.
Catherine says
Virginia creeper is very invasive in my area. (Georgia)
Jana says
The only place really appropriate for a Virginia Creeper plant is if you and your neighbor have a tall concrete wall separating your properties then the vine/ plant can grow up and over if your neighbor agrees to it. We also at one point in time had it years and years ago but it will not get it’s berries if just growing on wet ground. So growing on a wall is really the only correct way for growing it. I personally have seen it being grown locally not far from here off of a main street growing over a large concrete wall close to offices. That is the right way to grow it.
Maureen Koehl says
Virginia Creeper should probably be kept in a large container if you want it for a vine. We moved to a house that has it all over the front yard, and it is UGLY when winter comes. And the woody roots are almost impossible to get rid of. Doesn’t matter if you weed non stop.
Lynn Griffin says
The sweet autum clematis is pretty but a devil to control.It comes up everywhere in my yard I imagine from the seeds. I have pulled and sprayed it for years and yet it keeps showing up.
Sally Cormier says
How can you recommend bittersweet? Here in New England it is covering many trees in “wild areas” and is causing the host tree to be weighed down and to eventually fall. Bittersweet should not be planted anywhere east of the Rockies. It is horribly invasive in many New England wild places.
Dolores Henderson says
You started out recommending silver lace vine. I’ve had that beautiful vine on a wooded arbor for maybe 25-30 yrs. It just blooms the white blossoms by September. This year it’s very late in October. But one year I took a picture of it in full bloom. Then that winter we had a beautiful heavy snow ( heavy for north Texas that is). They looked exactly alike with this lovely white cover on the top of the arbor. I’ve never had an insect problem either. Great plant.
Jan R says
I too love the SILVER LACE VINE! it is absolutely gorgeaous in full bloom!!! and requires nothing for me to care for it.i live in SWestern Michigan n grows very well.it came back every year just as beautiful! however my husband goes crazy with his edge trimmer N weed killer n killed my vine
ive asked me not to yrim unless im out their with him but evidently he “forgets”!!!
this isnt the only garden plant/flower hes killed
now i have to order and start all over again for my vine!! it covered all 1 side n over the top of my arbur.im glad i took pictures!! recommend thus vine to anyine wanting alow maintenance n prolific bloomer
Claudette Talmadge says
Here in New England , all of these can become thugs that are impossable to get rid of or even
“keep up with” as one person suggested. The seeds spread and before you know it, it is every where! They can grow up trees and strangle them. Bittersweet alone can have a trunk of over 6″ in diameter! And if you don’t get the whole root of most of these- up they come again! I say to stay far away from them., Keep them out of your yard!
Jan R says
I too planted 2 bittersweets in our backyard of our new home 24 yrs ago hoping for the pretty berries.however 1 of them died off n i never knew whether it was the male or female plant.never did anymore just left it there.well with no help from me,it has spread along the entire fence coming up every inches!! its impossible to get rid of it!! we ve chopped the underground roots,dug out roots,nothing works.it takes over my other flowers n they cannot fight enough to survive n ive lost plants because of it!! i would really apprecuate if someone can tell me how to get rid of it!! i would never recommend bittersweet as it has NO benefit fir my yard!!!
Cheryl Medina says
Virginia Creeper = Vine from He!!
I live in Chicago and it’s invasive. I have cut the root, painted on straight undiluted concentrate Round Up for Poison Ivy and it always finds a way to return. It’s uncontrollable. And now seedlings are popping up all over the place that need to be dug out. Awful, horrible vine. I would never plant any, ever.
Susanne says
I love the fall color that Virginia creeper gets. But it is like poison ivy to me. I keep killing it to the root. Have to admire it from afar.
Rosie says
On a happy note – I have had the passion flower vine for years and love it! No problem here in PA with it spreading or being invasive. I even save a few of the gorgeous lime green pods and use to reseed the area every spring.
Nancy Du Frane says
I, too, am concerned at the number of vines on this list which are actually quite invasive—-Sweet Autumn Clematis, Virginia Creeper. I appreciate these “top ten” articles, but I always question some of the recommendations and wonder if the staff are doing their due diligence with regards to research. I am a relative newcomer to this magazine. When I purchased my subscription to Bs&Bs I had expected to learn more about native plant and insect species, and so am surprised and disappointed that that has not been the case. We look to this magazine as a trusted resource, and not all readers verify if a species is appropriate for their region. I hope the editors will make a greater effort to be more environmentally and ecologically friendly.
Kelly says
Do anyone have an opinion about Boston ivy?? Easy to control or not? Thanks
Kelly says
Sorry – does anyone have an opinion….
Tyler says
Highly Invasive in many areas, including mine in Mid Atlantic:
Ampelopsis brevipedunculata, or Porcelain Vine and Porcelain Berry.
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b270
https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/subject.html?sub=3007
terry white says
How did this author become a writer for plants when obviously most that were mentioned are very invasive vines and or high maintenance ! I am a horticulturist, designer, and consultant in the plant industry for 42 years. I can write better articles and suggest better plants. Sorry !
d.l. Shirley says
where can you buy bittersweet?