Suggested Vines for Trellises, Arbors and Gazebos in the North

Anyone that lives in the north knows that it is not easy to find plants that can withstand harsh winters, but there are some pretty nice vines that are easy to grow in the north. Use vines for privacy in your hot tub gazebo, or to decorate an arbor or trellis.

Boston Ivy, also called Japanese or Cottage Ivy. Zone 4-8

The Boston Ivy is a deciduous plant that will loose its leaves in the winter. If this will be for winter privacy you may not want to use this vine unless the vine growth is heavy. This Ivy grows individual tendrils with 5-8 branches coming off of each tendril. There is no need to tie this vine because each little branch attaches at the tip. As it grows it is literally attached to whatever is supporting it. Boston Ivy will attach to almost anything as it grow, so be certain to work the tendrils up on the gazebo or trellis as it grows. This is a great arbor vine. You can plant it on one side and let it grow to the other. This vine will grow to a height of 30 feet or more. This vine does have a short bloom that attracts a lot of bees. Grows in sun or shade, tolerates salt and dry soil.

The Honeysuckle. Zone 4-8

This is a very hardy northern vine that is easy to grow. Hummingbirds just love Honeysuckle. This is a great arbor or trellis vine. This will be full of beautiful tubular flowers. Give this vine a trellis, an arbor or a gazebo to climb on, fertile, well drained soil, and it will literally grow itself! Spreads 4-5 feet.

The Trumpet Vine. Zone 4-10

This is a fast growing vine that, like Ivy, will cling to anything. The Trumpet vine is called the Hummingbird vine by some because it really attracts Hummingbirds. This vine grows well in places that won't grow anything else! If your gazebo, trellis or arbor is in a dry, hot spot, the Trumpet vine would be perfect. It is a very hardy plant, but it is also invasive, so it is not easy to get rid of once it takes hold. This is a deciduous vine, but one that blooms for a very long time.

Climbing Hydrangea. Zone 4-10

Late in the summer and early into the fall, this vine will cover your arbor with lovely white flowers. This is a great climbing vine and is excellent for arbor growth. It gets started slowly, but once it gets going, it grows quickly. Once the leaves fall, the brownish red bark is very pretty. It likes full shade and a little bit of sun. It will spread about 5-6 feet.

Lemon Lace Vine. Zone 4-9

This is a very fast growing vine. If you want to cover a gazebo, trellis or arbor in a hurry, this is a great choice. This vine will grow up to 25'. It has very small white flowers and can bloom two times, in the spring and again in the fall. The blooms are nice and fragrant. The Lemon Lace vine is very invasive so don't plant near other plants. Full sun and well drained soil work best.