This vine list is a hint of all that will grow here in California's Gardens.
Between
the mild climate and low humidity our climate provides a unique ability to
grow a wide range of plants.
Vines provide the grace of a
casual air or even a touch of wildness. From scent to color to the ability to hide a fence or soften a wall
there is a place for these plants.
These vines can make a scene look tropical even when
it is in a decidedly colder clime, or they can take on the character of an Oxford ivy,
grapes, or wisteria and provide some old world grace.
It is common for vines to have a slow start, often languishing for a year or more before
coming into their own. I was told a story about a particularly recalcitrant wisteria
that had provided only foliage for 14 years. When it came time to tent the house for
termites the owner had them cover the wisteria as well. The following year and every
year after that it bloomed like mad. I am sure that it didn't care for another dose.
Thought must be given to the enthusiasm of the vine species when choosing one.
Many of them grow almost obscenely fast once they are established. They may also develop a
huge amount of weight. That weight must be designed for before the construction of the support
system starts. I have had to build a new arbor over an old one a
number of times. It takes quite awhile for the vine to take to its
new structure with any degree of grace. Many of the vines need seasonal maintenance so access to these
potential behemoths should also be considered. Information on the
growth habits of all of the vines on the list are given on the individual
plant pages.
