12 Flowering Vines to Grow in Pennsylvania
There are lots of flowering vines to grow in Pennsylvania. If you’re thinking about growing them, choosing the right variety for your area can be confusing. This article will give you an overview of flowering vines that grow best in Pennsylvania to help you choose the right one for your garden.
1. Campsis Radicans (Trumpet Creeper)
Campsis radicans is an extremely hardy vine that can be grown as an annual or perennial. It grows up to 10 feet tall, but it can be trained to grow up trees or walls. The plant produces trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom from June through August. The trumpet flowers are white with a yellow center, and they have four petals that look like the bell of a trumpet.
The plant requires full sun and well-drained soil for best results, but it does not tolerate heavy clay soils very well. It also tolerates low temperatures, so you can plant it in mid-winter if you live in an arid area. Be sure to water your Campsis radicans regularly throughout the growing season, but don’t overwater it as this will cause root rot.
Campsis radicans need moderate water during its blooming period from June through August. You can prune off any dead branches after flowering has finished so that you don’t block light from reaching the new growth on the vine.
2. Celastrus Scandens (American Bittersweet)
Celastrus scandens is a climbing vine that grows to 30 feet and has large, fragrant flowers. The plant is native to eastern North America, and it can be grown as an ornamental or shade tree.
Celastrus scandens grows in USDA zones 4 through 9. In Pennsylvania, this vine will grow in full sun or partial shade. It prefers moist soil with good drainage, but it will tolerate dry conditions if necessary. Celastrus scandens (American bittersweet) can tolerate temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or higher without damage, according to the University of Illinois Extension.
This vine produces small clusters of fragrant white flowers followed by small green fruits that resemble nuts or berries. American bittersweet is easy to care for because it is not fussy about its environment or soil type. The plant needs regular fertilization and plenty of water during the growing season but does not need pruning or staking for support.
3. Clematis Ligusticifolia (Western White Clematis)
Clematis ligusticifolia is a vine that grows to about 20 feet. The vine has long, slender leaves and masses of flowers in shades of pink, white and purple. The flowers are fragrant and large, with five petals.
Clematis ligusticifolia requires full sun to partial shade and grows in USDA zones 5 through 9. It can grow in a variety of soils, including clay or loam, with good drainage. Clematis ligusticifolia can be grown as an annual or perennial, depending on the region where you live.
The plant produces runners along its length that root easily in moist soil, where they will produce new plants next year. When growing from seed, plant them in rich, well-drained soil in full sun so they can develop roots before winter arrives and die back for the winter months until springtime when you replant them in more fertile soil with more moisture to sustain them once again during their growth period.
4. Clematis Virginiana (Devil’s Darning Needles)
Clematis virginiana is an evergreen vine that grows to a height of 20 feet. The plant can be grown in Pennsylvania as long as it has at least four hours of sunlight per day and a soil temperature between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It requires well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5.
Clematis virginiana can be propagated by seeds, root cuttings, or vegetative cuttings. To propagate by seed, the seeds should be planted in early spring after the first frost date in the area where they are to be planted. The seeds should be planted at least six inches apart from each other, but not too deep, because they can easily rot if they get too wet when they sprout.
After planting the seeds, cover them with one-half inch of good quality soil and allow them to germinate for about two weeks before transplanting them into their permanent location once they have grown two inches tall and have sprouted leaves at the base of their stems (which means that they are ready for transplanting).
5. Lonicera Sempervirens (Trumpet Honeysuckle)
Lonicera sempervirens is a deciduous vine, with a spreading habit, with large leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers. It grows to about 20 feet long and 3 feet wide. The plant produces scarlet flowers from May through July.
Trumpet honeysuckle can be grown in USDA zones 7 through 10, where it prefers full sun exposure and well-drained soil. The soil should be slightly moist when planting this vine but not saturated. This plant does not like drought conditions or standing water in the soil at any time of year.
The roots of Lonicera sempervirens like alkaline soils, so make sure your soil is tested before planting to see if it needs to be amended with lime or fertilizer. Also, this plant may need additional fertilization during its first year after planting due to its heavy root system that grows quickly in its new location compared to older established plants.
6. Passiflora Incarnata (Purple Passionflower)
(Purple Passionflower)
Passiflora incarnata is a vine that grows as a perennial and may grow up to 20 feet long. It has heart-shaped leaves that form a dense canopy and produce white or purple flowers. The flowering vines grow in clusters, which can be trained over fences or trellises for privacy screens or to add height to your garden.
Passiflora incarnata is native to the tropical regions of South America. It is an herbaceous vine that can be cultivated in the temperate zone but requires warm temperatures and full sun exposure. The purple passionflower prefers rich soil with well-drained soil mixed with organic matter such as compost or manure.
Passiflora incarnata blooms from spring through summer, but most growth occurs after the first frost in fall. When growing Passiflora incarnata (purple passionflower), keep the plant well watered during dry periods and fertilize regularly during active growing seasons. Pruning back old branches will promote more bushy growth while pruning young shoots will encourage more upright growth.
7. Climbing Hydrangea
Climbing hydrangeas are shrubs that can reach up to 80 feet tall and 12 feet wide. They are known for their enormous leaves, which are up to 8 inches long in some varieties. The flowers of climbing hydrangeas are also very large, sometimes as large as grapefruits.
Climbing hydrangeas are bushy plants that have aerial roots. These roots help the plant climb up trellises and other structures. There are several types of climbing hydrangeas, including the fountain hydrangea and the autumn bloomer hydrangea.
Climbing hydrangeas grow quickly and can be trained into a multitude of shapes and sizes. While they do not require much maintenance once they are established, they need plenty of water to thrive. They will also require pruning every year or two to keep them from becoming woody or leggy over time. The unique thing about these plants is how well they perform in hot climates like Pennsylvania’s humid summers. They can thrive anywhere from Zone 5-9.
8. Hardy Kiwi Vine (Actinidia Arguta)
Hardy kiwi vines are a great choice for Pennsylvania gardens because they can be grown either in containers or in the ground. They’re easy to care for, and they make attractive additions to any garden.
Hardy kiwi vines grow as far as 15 feet tall and are evergreen, meaning they don’t lose their leaves during the winter months. Hardy kiwi vines have dark green leaves that grow in clusters of 3-5. These plants are suitable for growing in full sun or partial shade, so you can place them anywhere in your yard that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
The best time to plant Hardy Kiwi Vine (Actinidia arguta) is early spring when the soil is warm but not hot enough to harm tender roots yet too cold for blooms to form on flowers. You can also plant these vines anytime between early spring and late autumn, but planting them in late summer could cause frost damage on tender roots.
9. Climbing Roses
Climbing Roses are a popular choice for Pennsylvania gardens. Their long, arching branches and bright flowers make them an eye-catching addition to any landscape.
Climbing roses grow best in full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade conditions. They like moist soil and regular watering, though they will do just fine with dry soil once the weather warms up. They also prefer neutral pH soil, so if you have a lot of limestone or other acidic soil in your yard, consider adding lime before planting a climbing rose.
Climbing roses can be grown as annuals or perennials, depending on whether you want to have blooms every year or not. Climbing roses bloom from spring through fall, depending on the variety you choose.
10. Star Jasmine
Star Jasmine is an evergreen vine that can grow up to 6 feet long. The flowers are yellowish-white, star-shaped, and about 1 inch across. Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) blooms from May through July and produces fruit after it flowers.
Star Jasmine is an easy vine to grow if you have the right conditions. You can plant it in your yard, but if you want to plant it in a pot, you need to provide it with good drainage and keep the soil moist but not wet. If you want to grow Star Jasmine as an indoor plant, make sure that you set up a trellis for it so that it will grow upward instead of sprawling out.
11. Mandevilla
A Mandevilla is a type of flowering vine that has been popular in the United States for many years. These plants are known for their showy flowers and are often used as a houseplant or for hanging baskets. They can also be grown outdoors if you live in a warm climate.
The best way to grow your own Mandevillas is by purchasing one from a garden center or nursery. You will find them in various sizes and colors, including red, white, and pink. Most of these varieties have thick stems and large leaves with long petals. They are easy to care for, but they need plenty of sunlight to thrive.
12. Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a tropical vine with beautiful flowers. It can be grown indoors or outdoors in the state of Pennsylvania. Bougainvillea is a flowering plant that grows up to 40 feet tall. The flowers are usually red, orange, or yellow and are usually fragrant. They can bloom from spring to fall but are known for their long-lasting blooms, which last until they start to fade in the fall. Bougainvilleas can grow in full sun or partial shade and need at least 3 hours of direct sun each day to thrive. They also prefer soil with an acidic pH level between 6 and 7.5, so use a soil conditioner such as lime or sulfur if your soil is too alkaline for them.
Bottom Line
For lovers of landscape gardening, Pennsylvania is a haven. The state has hundreds of native plants ready for adoption in home landscapes. By choosing these wildflowers, vines, and shrubs for your yard, you can make an impact on the appearance and sustainability of your property.
Please remove chocolate vine from this list. This plant is a PA listed invasive species. From my own observations, it is aggressive and invasive. Please do not encourage the proliferation of this species. See https://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/GetDocument?docId=3642834&DocName=ChocolateVine.pdf
Thank you for bringing this to our attention! We will definitely review the information on Chocolate Vine and update the list as needed. We appreciate your passion for preserving native ecosystems! -Plant Native Team