Create a Green Oasis with Vines

Tanya Olsen, third-generation owner of Royal City Nursery and a Professor in the Horticulture Apprenticeship program at Humber College, loves vines. From both a design perspective and a practical one, Tanya finds vines to be a fantastic addition to any outdoor space. Their space-saving nature makes them perfect for small gardens, front yards, and even balconies. With just 8-10 inches of width, you can grow these versatile plants just about anywhere. Whether you are looking to add greenery to a small area or create a natural screen, vines are the way to go. 

Watch our latest video on youtube to learn more or scroll to continue reading. 

Thumbnail image with link to ‘Create a Green Oasis with Vines ’ video on our youtube channel.

Annual Vines

Mandevillas 

Mandevillas are a fantastic and beautiful option for the summer season. These fast growing tropical vines thrive in warm weather and can be treated as annuals if you don’t have the means to bring them indoors over the winter months. Their vibrant blooms add a splash of color to any garden. Mandevilla need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Woody or Hardy Vines 

For those looking to plant directly into the ground, woody or hardy vines are an excellent choice. These vines produce bark cells like a tree or shrub, making them robust and long-lasting. There are two primary ways vines attach themselves:

Tendrils

• Tendrils form at a leaf node, attaching to stems and wrapping around their supports like sticks, trellis’, or posts. This method is similar to how peas, beans, and morning glory climb, using their tendrils to pull themselves up.

Aerial Roots

• Aerial roots form on the bark cells and act like “suckers,” grabbing onto fences or concrete posts for support. These vines do not need a trellis or string, as they are self-supporting, so long as they can adhere to the wall material.

Tanya’s Favourite Hardy Vines

Climbing Hydrangea

• Produces flat white clusters of flowers in the summertime (mid to late July or early August), that dry on the plant to provide winter interest. 
• Flowers best in full sun to part shade.

Engleman’s Ivy

• Thrives in full sun to full shade.
• Stays green throughout the growing season and turns a vibrant red in the fall.
• Produces blue-black berries that add interest, especially once the leaves have fallen
• Requires support to climb.

Star Showers Virginia Creeper

• Offers great leaf variegation with whites, yellows, and greens.
• Requires full sun to part shade, needing half a day of sun to maintain its variegation.
• Will cling to a wall or fence on its own.

Edible Vines

• Hardy Kiwi: These vines not only add height but also produce delicious fruit. Remember, you need to plant both female and male plants to ensure fruit production.

Clematis

• Available in both bush form and as a twining vine.  Depending on the variety of clematis, they may need to be cut back to the ground in the early spring. 
• Prefers full sun to part sun (6 to 8 hours or more).
• Likes its roots shaded, so be sure to cover them with mulch.

Incorporating vines into your garden can add height, variety, and even privacy to your outdoor space. Visit our garden centre to find these vines (and more), and let our team of experts help you choose the perfect vines for your garden. Whether you’re looking for tropical beauty, hardy climbers, or edible options, we have something for every gardener.

About Tanya Olsen:

Tanya is a third-generation garden centre owner and landscape designer.

Teaches Horticulture Apprenticeship at Humber College in Ontario, Canada.

Has a weekly segment on CTV news.

Has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.

YWCA Woman of Distinction.

About Royal City Nursery:

Guelph, Ontario’s only third-generation, full-service garden centre! We specialize in creating custom outdoor living spaces and unique solutions for all your garden, landscape, and seasonal decorating needs! At our new greenhouse, located between Guelph and Cambridge, we are the garden centre of choice for discerning homeowners, landscapers, and designers.