Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
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.
rate this answer
Wednesday - September 05, 2012
From: Liberty Hill, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Vines
Title: Coral Honeysuckle suitability for Central Texas Fence
Answered by: Brigid & Larry Larson
QUESTION:
I recently purchased a house in Liberty Hill. My backyard is enclosed by an iron fence (painted). I am interested in creating a habitat for birds, so I'm thinking of planting coral honeysuckle vine on the fence. I've been told that birds like vines. But, I don't want a vine that could possibly damage the fence. Is the coral honeysuckle a good choice?ANSWER:
Mr Smarty Plants thinks you have made an excellent choice. He’s answered two other questions lately from Central Texas about suitable vines. Lonicera sempervirens (Coral honeysuckle) is generally a recommended vine because it climbs by twining. It is also recommended as a wonderful habitat for hummers and other birds and butterflies!
This earler question was about vine choices that would not harm a hardy plank wall. Lonicera sempervirens (Coral honeysuckle) was preferable in this case although just one of several possibilities. On the other hand, this question/answer pair considered growing Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) on a wrought-iron fence. Virginia creeper climbs by means of tendrils with disks that fasten onto your iron fence. Another good choice, that climbs similarly, is Passiflora incarnata (Purple passionflower). These are considered to be relatively gentle to a fence and good habitat.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Plant identification for vine in Georgia
April 26, 2010 - A wild vine is taking over our cypress tree. Cypress tree is in our yard beside the fence. Very thick woods behind our fence. Leafs, on vine, resemble small maple leafs. It has orange flower balls....
view the full question and answer
Trumpet vine care
October 31, 2007 - I planted a trumpet vine in the early summer of this year. It grew about 3-4 ft. and seemed healthy. It is now Oct. 25th, and I just noticed that all the leaves seem to have shrivelled up and gone b...
view the full question and answer
Perennial vine for full sun, Denton, TX
March 19, 2010 - I would like to grow a perennial vine that would tolerate full sun during the day. A flowering or non-flowering is fine. I do NOT want anything that is poisonous, i.e. Carolina jasmine, since this w...
view the full question and answer
Care of Passiflora incarnata or Passiflora coccinea
July 04, 2007 - Hi- I have two passionflowers, one red, one purple. I live in upstate NY. They grow very well up onto trellises, however, they have stopped producing flowers. Both are planted in pots (fairly large)...
view the full question and answer
Identification of Matelea reticulata
June 08, 2007 - I recently saw blooming in an Austin park a small white-green flower ( 3/4 ") with a center that looked like a small pearl. Any idea what it is. I can't find it in my flower book, It was on a waist...
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. |
