Garlands of vines make use of vertical space in the garden. Over pergolas, along fences and arbors they add a great element of romance and luxuriance. We love unusual vines with a special emphasis on fragrant, cold hardy jasmines.
Billardiera longiflora Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Pittosporaceae
Remarkable evergreen twining vine native to Tasmania. Surprisingly hardy to cold this with very thin stems and leaves that makes it unique to vines that we can grow. Thin leaves seldom exceed 1/4” wide and stretch up to 2” long. Wiry stems twine quickly around any support and grow quickly when established. To 10’ tall and 8’ wide in 5 years. Tasmanian Blueberry Vine produces subtle 1” long green chartreuse flowers in mid-spring that mature to bold deep blue purple berries that are surprisingly large considering the scale of the plant. In it’s native home they are referred to as “Appleberry”- edible fruit has a light, and spicy apple taste. We appreciate the fruits most for their intense color and long lasting display. Tough adaptable vine for full sun to shade in average, well drained soil with occasional summer water. Very tough plant when established. Tasmanian Blueberry Vine.
EVERGREEN.
Billardiera longiflora ‘Fructo-Alba’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Pittosporaceae
“Molar Vine”- Well that’s what we call it. Identiical to the preceding species but with pure white fruits that are somewhat....”back-tooth-shaped.” Berries shaped very much like miniature bell peppers give this variety of Tasmanian Blueberry Vine a look all its own. Actually, in full fruit it is striking and very pretty. Edible. Very nice accompanying its blue fruited counterpart. We’ve seen it twining around the stems of single flowered Rosa ‘Darlow’s Enigma’ an everblooming rose with powerfully scented white flowers. Great combo. Part shade to full sun in average soil that drains well. EVERGREEN.
Clematis x cartmanii ‘Joe’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Ranunculaceae
As of late some very interesting Clematis have been released, derived from evergreen species native to New Zealand. To be honest in our climate they have yet to prove their valour, but we have one that we think is an excellent plant. ‘Joe’ was one of the very first of these hybrids to reach our shores and it continues to be one of our favorites. A NON-TWINING evergreen vine with intricate evergreen leaves. In early spring an intense and profuse display of 1” pure white flowers with a central yellow boss. The flowers literally obscure the leaves. So far we have found that it performs best as a containter plant, and the stems can be left to trail over the edges of a large pot. Not bad considering the very handsome foliage. Somewhat slow growing to 4’ tall in as many years. Flowers appear on wood from the PREVIOUS season. Prune after flowering. Full sun to light shade in well drained soil with regular water in summer. We checked with Clematis Guru Linda Beutler
(check out her great book on plant partners-Timber Press) and this is how she grows this stunning plant. Imperitive to protect container plants from temperatures below 20ºF. Beautiful trailing over rock walls. EVERGREEN.
Dicentra scandens Zn5a (-20º to -15F) Fumariaceae (at the moment)
Excellent herbaceous vine that disappears in winter and roars out of the ground in spring to coat shrubs, pergolas, and anything else in its path. Fine stems lined with delicate leaves and dainty sprays of light yellow Bleeding Heart Flowers appear continuously on new growth from late June until frost. Requires part shade to high overhead shade in rich well drained soil with regular summer water. Essentially, it is a climbing version of the native and old-fashioned bleeding heart. Completely gone in winter, and growth from the previous season decomposes quickly through winter, requiring only a quick swipe of the hand to clear it up. Attaches itself by fine tendrils. May overwhelm light textured plants, Excellent at the base of spring flowering Viburnums which provide lovely summer scaffolding. Established plants support up to 12’ of growth a year.
X Fatshedera lizei ‘Annemieke’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Araliaceae
This form is also known as ‘Aureomaculata’- just to include a little confusion in your gardening day. This hybrid between Fatsia japonica and Hedera is even more bold in that it has leaves with a center of light yellow. The variegation is striking on this scandant vine/shrub and is excellent for lighting up dark corners. A curious plant that will be self clinging in areas with no wind or may be grown as a large scale mounding groundcover. Tip prune to encourage branching and a denser habit. Susceptible to winter damage if exposed to subfreezing winds, best sited in part shade to shade in protected locations. Ideal for a large trellis on shaded walls. Though leaves may be damaged by temperatures below 15ºF, established plants recover in spring with phenomenal speed. Takes dry shade VERY well. Has survived 0ºF. EVERGREEN.
X Fatshedera lizei ‘Variegata’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Araliaceae
We found this unusual, actually rare form of x Fatshedera languishing in the back of an old nursery. For an effect a bit more bold than Ivy this scandant vine has 6” leaves outlined in light green and white. In the South x Fatshedera has a common name of “Fat-Headed-Lizzy”- no way, I think it refers to the fact that new growth has larger leaves than established growth and that untended plants can become bare at the base. To avoid this, tip prune from the beginning to encourage branching and bushy growth. Part shade to shade in well drained soil with occasional summer water, tolerates dry shade when established. This and the above grow to about 12’ tall and as wide on a trellised wall in 8 years. Reponds quickly to good conditions, slows with neglect. White ball-shaped flowers appear in clusters in late summer. Seldom produces viable seed. YAY. EVERGREEN.
Hydrangea integrifolia Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Hydrangeaceae
A SELF-CLINGING EVERGREEN VINE FOR SHADE WITH BEAUTIFUL WHITE FLOWERS AND, HELLO, IT ISN”T HORRIBLE IVY. Impressive vine with leaves that are indented when young and become long and glossy with age. In several years this SELF-SUPPORTING VINE FOR SHADE produces fantabulous lacy white flowers that emerge from a large central white bud. Fascinating and useful blooming evergreen vine for SHADE. We are profuoundly lucky that this amazing vine grows here and it is INSANE that it is not more widely used. There are NO excuse for those who cannot find blooming, evergreen vines for shade. HERE IT IS. Tough, prefers woodlandy soil and occasional summer water. Excellent up the trunk of a tall Douglas Fir. GREAT,GREAT VINE. EVERGREEN.
Hydrangea seemanii Zn7b (5º to 10ºF)
Hydrangeaceae
As for the above vine, this fantastic climbing
Hydrangea is not only evergreen, but
produces fantastic fairy-like flowers with age.
It requires shade, is self-clinging, and is NOT
IVY. Gardeners are forever looking for good,
evergreen, flowering vines for shade and this
one also fits that bill. With these vines you
don’t just settle for an “appropriate” plant you
get FANTASTIC specimens that are good
looking year round and improve year after
year. From a large central white bud a doily
of beautiful white flowers unfolds into a
perfect- disc-shaped blossom. Leaves are
long, shapely and evergreen. Self-clinging
means that it will stick itself to nearly any
surface in shade to part shade in rich soil
with regular summer irrigation. Up the trunks
of trees, along shady north facing walls, You
couldn’t ask for more- just ask for this great
vine at nurseries. Cold hardy. Both H.
seemanii and H. integrifolia bloom on old
wood. LOVE IT! EVERGREEN. This photo
was taken in August of a Hydrangea s.
that is more than 15 years old in Portland.
Jasmines- Romantic, easy, and very misunderstood. Oleaceae
The word Jasmine has been around as long as this wonderful group of plants has been cultivated. Y’asmin is the orginal name in Arabic for a group of plants that form a genus of shrubs and vines that stretch from the Mediterranean to the far east. They are in the Olive family which includes such venerable plants as Ash, Forsythia, and Lilacs. Unfortunately, they are a group of plants that is very misunderstood in our climate. One reason is that the easily cultivated Florist’s Jasmine, Jasminum polyanthum produces powerfully scented showy flowers in early spring and is hocked by many a large nursery as being hardy to cold in the PNW. The results for unwary gardeners is that they end up with a vine that is tender to cold and has very marginal success at surviving in our climate. When a colder than average winter (below 15ºF) comes along, that plant is either mangled or dead. It may return from the base (slowly). The most infuriating fact is that this vine blooms on OLD WOOD- with only sporadic flowers on new wood. Bad. Mild winters deceive people that this is an acceptable plant. Amusing thing is there are quite a few Jasmines that THRIVE in our climate, they produce fragrant flowers, are tolerant of horrible conditions, but are for the most part ignored. We love Jasmines and grow many that offer fragrant flowers and cold hardiness in this climate. They exist as both shrubs and vines. As vines we offer the following:
Jasminum beesianum Zn6a (-10 to -5ºF) Oleaceae
Dainty but tough this deciduous cold hardy vine is virtually ignored in the PNW. Deep red flowers, yes, deep red flowers to 1/2” long cover this twining vine in late spring. New growth yields more flowers especially as this vine matures. Single, entire, small leaves of light green are partially deciduous in most winters and line persistent green stems. This form is the darkest red flowered variety we have yet encountered and is originally from the now defunct, but famous Western Hills Nursery. Very sweet vine trailing up a mailbox or birdhouse stand. Hummingbirds love it. Ultra-tough, enduring intense drought happily as well as extreme cold. J. beesianum x J. officionale= the naturally occurring but unimpressive hybrid J. x stephanense. Unique and pretty.
Jasminum humile ‘Revolutum’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Oleaceae
A remarkable shrub/ scandant vine with large clusters of fragrant flowers that appear in a large flush in late spring and then sporadically on new growth until frost. This is essentially a selection of J. humile that is in all aspects larger, including the flowers. A very tropical looking plant that is hardy to 0ºF, with no damage. Best treated as a you would a “climbing” rose where long canes are fixed to a support. Blooms on new wood. Evergreen to about 18ºF, leaves fall cleanly in cold winters. Full hot sun to light shade. Excellent companion for roses on an arbor. Incredible combined with Clematis vitacella ‘Prince Charles’. Well drained soil, grows up to 5’ a year with regular irrigation. Tolerates some drought when established. To 14’ tall in time.
Jasminum officinale- Hardy Poet’s Jasmine of Shakespearean Fame. We offer the following superior and remarkable cultivars. All are deciduous and bloom on old as well as new wood. May be cut back hard in early spring. Regular water is essential for a for a good start, Adaptable and hardy.
Jasminum officinale ‘Affine’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Oleaceae
Fantastic cold hardy vine with powerfully fragrant flowers that come in an initial large flush in June and then appear regularly until September. Vigourous twining vine, that is deciduous. Pinnate leaves emerge flushed with maroon and change to forest green. To 12’ tall and spreading from a base of multiple canes in 5 years. Clusters of pink budded flowers open to white and are most fragrant in the evening through morning. Not at all tender to cold and is wonderfully adapted to this climate. Best in rich, well drained soil for its start in life. Established plants are remarkably self sufficient. THIS IS THE JASMINE that should be planted in our climate rather than the tender J. polyanthum. PERFECT for large pergolas and arbors. Twines, provide support, canes will not twine if not given a close object to grow around. A wire or anything with a diameter less than 6” will work.
Full sun to shade. Regular summer water. Combine with climbing roses; the ultimate companion for a spring blooming Clematis montana. As with all Jasmine officionale remove leaves in winter by swiping a gloved hand over the dried leaves. They will fall easily, if not taken by the wind.
Jasminum officinale ‘Argentovariegatum’
Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Oleaceae
One of the most striking vines that we
can grow. In our estimation and after
having had it in our garden for 10
years it is the vine equivalent to such
venerable variegated plants as
Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’ and
Aralia elata ‘Variegata’. A slower
growing vine than J.o.’Affine’ it
reaches only 6’ after 5’ years with a
spread to 4’ . Each leaf is heavily
edged in cream. New growth emerges
tinted in striking pink. In June-August
pink buds open to white fragrant
flowers. Protect from hot sun- best
in part shade. Rich soil with occasional
summer irrigation. Remarkably stable
variegation. Twines, provide support.
Jasminum officinale ‘Grandiflorum’
Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Oleaceae
One of the oldest selections of Poet’s Jasmine,
this vigorous variety has copious amounts of
pure white flowers borne in clusters of up to
twenty blossoms. Individual flowers may
measure as much as 1” across each and
emit an amazing perfume that wafts
delightfully through the garden beginning
at dusk. Fast growing vine to 15’ in 5 years.
Full sun to shade, but not dense shade.
Thrives in average soil with regular water
during the summer months. Profuse showy
flowers appear in June and continue unabated
through September. Combine with a climbing
rose on a large pergola or arbor. Fantastic
plant. Has survived 0º with tip die-back
- recovered quickly and bloomed unphased in
spring. Loses leaves in early winter. Remove
dry leaves by swiping a hand over the canes.
Jasminum officinale ‘Aureovariegatum’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Oleaceae
Bold vine with leaves that are irregularly splashed with gold on foliage that emerges with tints of light orange. Vigorous twining vine to 14’ feet tall in 5 years. In June through August white fragrant flowers emerge on new growth. Very striking grown through a deep green yew hedge. Fun and unusual hardy vine. Full sun to light shade in well drained soil with occasional water in
summer.
Jasminum officinale ‘Fiona’s Sunrise’ Zn7b (0º to 5ºF) Oleaceae
Wonderful all gold selection of Poet’s Jasmine that has been available in the United States for more than 12 years, but can find a place in nearly any garden. Clear golden/chartreuse leaves and stems make this vigorous vine an excellent companion for dark leaved shrubs or even for places in dark shade. One of the few golden plants that loses little intensity in the shade. Protect from hot sun. To 10’ tall in 5 years. Twines, provide support. In June-August white fragrant flowers appear on new wood. Well drained soil, regular summer water.
Jasminum officinale ‘Inverleith’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Oleaceae
Very unusual selection of Poet’s Jasmine with deep red flower buds that open to white flowers and provides a lucious bicolor effect. The leaves which are smaller and finer that most cultivars are slightly glossy and turn brilliant red before shedding in fall. This brilliant fall color is effective for weeks and has the same intensity as Parthenocissus. Tough and cold hardy twiner for a fence or pergola.
Kadsura japonica ‘Fukurin’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Magnoliaceae
Strange that this evergreen vine is still unknown in the PNW. Large leaves dramatically edged in white make this an unmistakable and regal garden vine. New growth emerges tinted pink and repeats those tones in cold weather. Adapted to shade and rich woodland soil with occasional summer water. Small pendant flowers are reminiscent of magnolias to which this vine is closely related. Loses leaves in prolonged temperatures below 12ºF. Relatively fast growing twining vine to 15’ in 7 years. Flowers are often followed by round red fruits. Uncommon and stunning specimen vine for arbors and pergolas in shade. Survives extreme cold by dropping leaves, which return quickly in spring.
Lonicera x americana Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Caprifoliaceae
So many Honeysuckles are offered that we think that the very best should be featured. This hybrid between two European species (um...yeah, like most of us) has shown an amazing ability to avoid massive aphid damage and is resistant to mildew. More importantly, it has large dramatic flowers of cream, edged in pink that emit a sophisticated and powerful perfume. Full sun with regular water is best for this timidly twining vine that requires support. To 12’ tall in 5 years, it requires assistance in the form of closely set guides that are sturdy but not too wide. Canes twine as they touch supports. Blooms on new wood continuously from early June to frost. May be pruned back hard in mid-spring. Semi-evergreen. Like nearly all honeysuckles it becomes bare at the base, plan for this. Small red berries are occasionally formed. In our opinion the best of the fragrant twining vines in this genus. Rich well drained soil with occasional summer water (established plants endure considerable drought) easy and showy.
Pileostegia viburnoides Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Hydrangeaceae
An evergreen vines for shade with showy flowers can be difficult to to find. This
elegant vine has long glossy green leaves and copious amounts of fluffy cream flowers in mid to late summer. Self-clinging it attaches itself to nearly any surface. Part shade to high overhead shade in well drained humusy soil, kept moist in summer. Grows slowly at first, picks up speed with age. Blooms on wood from the previous season. Leaves make a wonderful layered pattern on a wall. Cold hardy and good looking year round. Closely related to Hydrangeas. To 10’ tall and as wide in about 7 years. Perfect for a north facing aspect.
Sollya heterophylla Zn8b (15º to 20ºF) Pittosporaceae
Australian Bluebell vine is tender but it makes such a FANTASTIC vine for containers that we think its a great plant in the PNW. Handsome glossy green foliage on wiry stems to 4’ tall in a year. Tiny stems produce copious amounts of precious blue bells from late spring to frost. Blooms on new wood. Takes full sun to part shade, twines if stems are grown against a fine support. May also be treated as a small shrub or even a trailing plant. May survive in protected gardens if grown against a wall with protection in winter. Regular water in rich soil.
Trachelospermum asiaticum ‘Shirofu Chirimen’ Zn7b Apocynaceae
Tiny vine with leaves edged in white, pink, and sage green. The leaves are minute, less than 1/4” long and half as wide. Grows slowly at first as a small round shrub-like plant, then sends out stems that wind happily up small supports. Excellent evergreen vine for containers. Seldom blooms, its a really pretty little foliage plant to 3’ tall in more than 5 years.
Trachelospermum asiaticum ‘Red Top’ Zn7b (0º to 5ºF) Apocynaceae
Dramatic evergreen foliage vine/groundcover that has heavily textured leaves with white veins and new growth that emerges vivid red. Somewhat twining, it actually will adhere itself to rough surfaces by holdfasts that emerge from the stem (this works best in areas protected from strong winds.) Asian star jasmine only blooms on wood that has reached adulthood. After several years bone colored propellar shaped flowers appear midsummer. Full sun to light shade in well drained soil. LOVES regular water during summer. To 1’ tall and spreading to about 3’ wide as a groundcover. As a vine it will grow up to 10’ tall.
Trachelospermum asiaticum ‘Ogon Nishiki’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Apocynaceae
‘Ogon Nishiki’ translates to ‘Gold Brocade’ in English, on this remarkable evergreen vine from Japan. New growth emerges in tones of hot orange-red and then changes to gold that is irregularly splashed on deep green leaves. NO OTHER HARDY VINE has foliage this color and this dramatic. Slow growing trailing plant to 2’ in a season. Part shade to shade in rich soil with regular water during summer. We have yet to see it bloom. Irrelevant.
Trachelospermum asiaticum ‘Theta’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Apocynaceae
A distinct selection of Asian Star Jasmine named by Sean Hogan of Cistus Design Nursery after his mother. Thin leaves, only 1/4” wide and up to 3” long gives this vine an almost bamboo-like quality. Twines around support up to 8’ tall and 4’ wide in 5 years. Full sun is best for this exceptionally cold hardy selection. After several years 3/4” cream colored propellar shaped flowers with a lovely fragrance of roses. Mature foliage develops slightly larger and rounder leaves. Beautiful for fine textured trellis or arbor. Evergreen leaves take on bronze and maroon tints in cold weather. As with all Asian Star Jasmine it grows best with regular summer water.
Trachelospermum asiaticum ‘Variegatum Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Apocynaceae
A very favorite evergreen vine with sage green, heavily veined leaves that are splashed and edged in cream. New growth emerges with pink tints. Forms a lovely mounded groundcover whose foliage sits in very pretty layers along its wiry stems. May be self clinging in windfree locations, especially on the rough surfaces of tree bark. Ours has never bloomed, and I don’t think that I would care if it did. Exceptional interplanted among ferns in part shade, though it will take full sun with no problem. Rich, well drained soil with regular water in summer to speed growth. To 1’ tall and 3’ wide as a grouncover, to 10’ tall as a vine.
Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Madison’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Apocynaceae
Its hard to beat the powerfully fragrant flowers of Star Jasmine, but in colder than average winters it can be damaged or die. ‘Madison’ is a form from the SE US that has proven itself to be hardier to cold. Infact, a 20 year old specimen in Tigard bears that out- it has never been damaged by cold. Leaves on this variety are slightly larger but the flowers are the same creamy white propellar shaped flowers that appear in an initial large flush in late spring and then continue sporadically through summer. To 12’ tall and as wide in 5 years. Twines, provides support, thrives in full sun to a fair amount of shade. Best in rich well drained soil with regular water in summer. It wouldn’t be June without the fragrance of this vine.
Trachelospermum asiaticum ‘Theta’ blossom, not the best picture. Shows larger adult foliage as well.
Flowers have a rose-like fragrance. 10 year old plant.
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