Oh, the beautiful and sometimes pesky vine.

So, you’ve decided to grow vines in your yard to increase your yard appeal, hide an unsightly fence, or for whatever reason. But you’ve heard that they can quickly become a nuisance. Well, growing vines can indeed get out of hand and take over your yard (and even your neighbor’s). Nevertheless, not all vines are invasive. In this post, you will learn which vines to use and which to avoid when growing vines in your yard.

Vines to Grow in Your Yard

There are several vines that won’t take over your yard when you grow them. Of course, they also twine, climb, lean, sprawl and twist around objects and trees. But, they don’t spread and become a nuisance you have to fight to remove. Here are two notable vines we think you should grow in your Pacific Northwest yard.

1.     Clematis

This spectacular vine is not just beautiful, but it also has a heavenly scent. While some Clematis bloom all year round, some bloom at different seasons, and all in a variety of colors. So, you can plant different types of the vine to give your yard a new look every season. We particularly love the Avalanche and the Wisley Cream.

2.    Climbing Hydrangea

Even compared to other non-invasive vines, this vine grows really slowly. So, you don’t have to worry about it taking over your yard. However, it has heavy vines. Hence, you may have to provide something sturdy for it to lean on. Better still, grow it close to a fence or near a sturdy structure allocated for the vine.

Other non-invasive vines to grow in your yard include:

• The Star Jasmine,
• The Black-Eyed Susan Vine,
• The White Bark Raspberry

Vines to Avoid Growing in Your Yard

Don’t be tempted by their attractive looks. Avoid invasive vines at all costs. No, you can’t curb their natural habit of growing and spreading rapidly, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Some would even attach themselves to your house and cause destruction. Here are two vines you should avoid growing in your yard.

1.     Chinese Wisteria

Gorgeous pink at full bloom, but this vine will sprout a new root wherever it touches the ground. Then, it would fling open its seed pods to spread its seeds all over your yard. If you really want a Wisteria in your yard, the native American Wisteria is a better choice

2.    Kudzu

Planting imported plants is a great way to make your garden stand out. But, the Kudzu is a vine you should avoid. You may have heard that they are great for erosion control. But, they are also very invasive and will strangle the other plants, and even trees, in your garden.

Other invasive vines to avoid growing in your yard include

• Winter Creeper
• Five-Leaf Akebia
• Japanese Honeysuckle

Need help growing vines in your yard? Contact us today at Levy’s Lawn & Landscaping!