Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
From: Fredericksburg, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Vines
Title: Vines to Complement a Fence
Answered by: Janice Kvale
You already have some lovely vines with orange or white flowers. Below I've researched several vine species for you, some with unusual blossoms. These native vines attract birds and butterflies. All these suggestions are flowering perennial vines that like full sun and tolerate low moisture. Be aware as with any new planting, adequate water is required to ensure a good start.
You may also want to take a look at the rest of the vines listed on our Plant Database. To do so, use the Combination Search, enter your location (Texas), habit (vines), and duration (perennial). Then indicate full sun and dry for light requirement and moisture. There are other options such as bloom time and blossom color, if you have a preference.
You can find a Supplier from our list close to your area. Some vines will be for sale at the Wildflower Center Plant Sale April 13-15.
Here are the ones I found:
Acleisanthes obtusa (Berlandier's trumpets) produces a fragrant white/pink blossom that opens at night.
Clematis drummondii (Drummond's clematis) produces "masses of silky, feathery plumes" that are white. An attractive and unusual appearing blossom. Available at the Plant Sale.
Clitoria mariana (Atlantic pigeonwings) has delicate, pea-like flowers of pink/blue.
Lonicera albiflora (Western white honeysuckle) is a white version of honeysuckle.
Matelea biflora (Purple milkweed vine) is another vine with an unusual purple/brown fuzzy-appearing blossom.
Perhaps you would like one of the morning glory species:
Ipomoea lindheimeri (Lindheimer's morning-glory) has a blue blossom and
Merremia dissecta (Alamo vine) has white blossoms. Both are available at the Plant Sale.
Or consider one of the passion flowers:
Passiflora affinis (Bracted passionflower) produces a wiry-looking yellow/green blossom and
Passiflora incarnata (Purple passionflower) has a lovely more traditional pink/blue/purple flower and is also available at the Plant Sale.
Will Hyacinth Beans and Cardinal vine (non-natives) grow in Texas?
April 28, 2007 - I live in Coppell, TX, and a neighbor gave me some Hyacinith Beans and Cardinal Vine seeds to plant. She described these as doing well in her local garden, but I cannot find a photo or picture of them...
view the full question and answer
Plant to trail down concrete block retaining wall in Maryland
September 15, 2012 - Hello,
Your website is an excellent resource. Thank you very much!
My girlfriend recently bought a house that has a concrete block retaining wall in the front yard. We want to improve the app...
view the full question and answer
Is hummingbird vine poisonous to parrots?
June 26, 2011 - Is hummingbird vine poisonous to parrots? I am setting up vines and plants around the aviary and would like to use this vine if it's not poisonous.
view the full question and answer
Need a vine to cover a chainlink fence in the shade in Tarrytown, NY.
June 08, 2012 - Any advice for a vine to cover a chain link fence in shade
view the full question and answer
Unusual vine in San Diego County, California
May 12, 2012 - Dear Mr. or Ms. Smarty Pants,
I came across an unusual vine winding through a young Zumaque growing off the edge of a mesa in San Diego (coastal sage scrub). The small (fingernail-sized)leaves rough...
view the full question and answer
![]() |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |