Vining annuals provide you with an old-fashioned look without a long commitment.
Create a haven with dozens of plants and a curved arbor or simply hide an unsightly feature of your yard or house by planting natural climbers like morning glories, moonflowers, sweet peas, and black eyed Susan vine.
Add vibrancy and a little more color with just a small time commitment by planting nasturtium, sweet potato vine, or any other ivy or trailing plant.
Morning Glory.
These happy plants love to wake up each day! They require full sun but don't like extreme heat; a spot that is protected from the sun in the afternoon is perfect.
Easily climb just about anything their little tendrils can latch onto, but morning glories won't pry the siding off your house.
They bloom in traditional blue, of course, but are available in white and purple shades as well.
Grow easily from seed, or purchase starters at the greenhouse.
Feed every 2-3 weeks during the summer with balanced fertilizer.
No need to deadhead unless you want to.
Height: 8 to 10 feet.
Spacing: Plant seeds or starters 8 inches apart.
Moonflowers.
These are an absolute treat with their heavenly scent and large, delicate white blossoms.
Grow fast and climb naturally.
Plant where you can enjoy their fragrance by an open window or near a doorway.
Open at night but the foliage and vines are a spectacular display all day.
Require full sun and protection from heat; water regularly; feed every 2-3 weeks during the summer with balanced fertilizer.
Height: 10 to 20 feet.
Spacing: Plant seeds or starters 8 inches apart.
Sweet Peas.
These plants stay lower than morning glories and moonflowers, but their fragrance is heavenly.
Climb naturally.
Make a fabulous cut flower.
Require full sun and protection from heat, making sweet peas a good match with the other climbing vines mentioned here.
Deep green glossy foliage and a variety of flower colors.
Water regularly and feed every 2-3 weeks.
Deadhead, please.
Height: 3 to 5 feet.
Spacing: Plant seeds or starters 8 inches apart.
Black Eyed Susan Vine.
Such happiness! These colorful white to yellow to orange flowers will brighten your summer days with their joyful, open faces.
Small leaves and sturdy vines; climb naturally.
Also great in hanging baskets, with a little trim once in a while.
Require full sun, plenty of water, and feed every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer.
Height: 5 to 10 feet.
Spacing: Plant seeds or starters 8 inches apart.
Nasturtium.
Does not climb naturally but can easily be trained on a trellis or other support, and the large, open faced flowers and giant leaves make a good contrast for your other climbing vines.
Please deadhead for continued blooming.
Intense colors of the flowers catch the eye.
Great companion plants for their icky insect fighting abilities.
Bonus: You can eat organically grown flowers, and they are a tasty treat.
Same light, heat, water and food requirements as the other vines.
Height: 5 to 10 foot vines, depending on the variety.
Spacing: Give these a little more room by placing seeds or starters 18 inches apart.
Sweet Potato Vine.
These vigorous growers may climb on their own but will probably need a little guidance.
Thrive in full sun or partial shade but again, protect from heat.
Water regularly and don't allow to dry out.
Feed every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer.
Large, deeply toothed leaves bring a comforting yellow-green color to your vining garden.
The Margarita variety is especially popular.
Sorry, will not produce sweet potatoes! Height: 4 to 6 feet.
Spacing: Plant starters 8 inches apart.