10 Fast-Growing Vines to Grow in Your Garden - Martha Stewart

Having fast-growing vines in your garden is a great way to introduce depth and increased interest, as these climbing plants naturally draw the eye upwards. This is especially true of vines that have unique foliage or bright blooms. But fast-growing vines can do more than provide a little added beauty to your garden. They can also help you hide structures or block unappealing views out of sight without having to add expensive fences or walls. When it comes to picking the perfect fast-growing vine for your yard, the pros say you can’t go wrong with some of these options.

• Taylor Montgomery, co-owner of Montgomery Sky Farm in Asheville, North Carolina
• Russell Taylor, winner of the 2023 Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Conservationist of the Year Award and vice president of Live Earth Products

Asparagus Bean

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Asparagus bean (Vigna unguiculata Sesquipedalis)—also known as yardlong bean or red noodle bean—is an unexpected addition to the garden. "With your typical bean vine, you have to hunt for the vegetable as the plant 'hides' the crop from the farmer," says Taylor Montgomery, owner of Montgomery Sky Farm. "With a red noodle bean, you can expect an aggressive vining plant that welcomes the farmer to harvest its crop." That means you’ll get to see all those beautiful beans as they grow on the vine, adding visual interest to your outdoor spaces. 

• Zones: 3 to 11
• Size: 96 inches tall x 24 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

Malbar Spinach

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Another unique vine option that grows really well is Malabar spinach (Basella alba). "Usually, you would grow spinach in the cooler months; however, this vining variation will weather the toughest summer heat," says Montgomery. He suggests trellising it, as it grows pretty rapidly. "Though it’s not a perennial it does drop its seeds, so with very little effort, the plant will grow back year after year," he says.

• Zones: 7 to 10
• Size: 6 to 10 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining loamy or sandy soil

Virginia Creeper

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A vigorous deciduous vine with five-leaflet foliage that turns bright red in fall, Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a great option for those looking to cover something quickly. "It produces small clusters of blue-black berries," Russell Taylor, vice president of Live Earth Products. "Although it is beautiful, Virginia creeper can spread rapidly and climb trees and structures, potentially causing damage if not controlled. Regular pruning is essential."

• Zones: 3 to 10
• Size: 60 feet tall x 1 foot wide
• Care requirements: Tolerates a range of conditions, including poor soils. 

Trumpet Vine

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Known for its trumpet-shaped, orange-red flowers that attract hummingbirds, trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is a great pick for someone looking for a vining plant that brings wildlife and pollinators to the yard. "It is a vigorous grower that can reach 30 to 40 feet," Taylor says. "[It’s] known for its rapid growth and ability to spread aggressively through root suckers. It can quickly take over an area if not regularly pruned and maintained."

• Zones: 4 to 9
• Size: 20 to 40 feet tall x 5 to 20 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil

Clematis

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There are many varieties of clematis (Clematis spp.), so you’ll want to shop around before picking the one that’s right for your yard. In general, though, Taylor says these fast-growing vines feature a variety of flower colors and forms, from small bell-shaped flowers to large, showy blooms.

• Zones: 4 to 9
• Size: Varies by species
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained fertile soil, and a cool root zone

Silver Lace Vine

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Another fast-growing option, the silver lace vine (Fallopia baldschuanica) produces clusters of small, white flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. "This vine is very fast-growing and can quickly cover large areas," Taylor says. It's especially great for camouflaging anything you want covered in your yard. Just beware that this quick growth can easily get out of hand. “It can become invasive if not kept in check with regular pruning," says Taylor.

• Zones: 4 to 8
• Size: 40 feet tall x 2 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist but well-draining soil 
  

Sweet Autumn Clematis

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If you’re looking for a vine that will give you something you can enjoy with both your eyes and your nose, consider sweet autumn clematis (Clematis terniflora). This variety of the vine produces masses of small, white, fragrant flowers in late summer to fall. Just note, if you’re growing this vine you’ll want to make sure you’re pruning it in late winter or early spring for the best blooms. 

• Zones: 5 to 9
• Size: 15 to 30 feet long
• Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil

Wisteria

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Wisteria (Wisteria spp.) is known for its cascading clusters of purple, blue, or white flowers in spring. This plant can grow up to 30 feet or more. “Prune after flowering and again in winter to control size and encourage blooms," says Taylor.

• Zones: 5 to 9
• Size: 40 feet tall x 2 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun and well-drained; fertile soil

Passionflower

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If you’re looking for a vine that produces exotic-looking flowers with a unique structure, look no further than passionflower (Passiflora incarnata). Taylor says this interesting vine even produces edible fruits called maypops. Just note that, like clematis, these plants like their roots to stay cool, so he suggests adding mulch to help with moisture and temperature control. 

• Zones: 5 to 9
• Size: 10 to 20 feet tall
• Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil

Climbing Hydrangea

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A vertical growing version of the popular shrub, a climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris) will produce large, white lace-cap flowers in summer. This plant grows slowly at first, but it can eventually reach 30 to 50 feet, says Taylor. Just remember, wherever you’re planting this one, you’ll need to be sure that your trellis is up to the task, as climbing hydrangeas need sturdy support.

• Zones: 4 to 8
• Size: 30 to 50 feet tall x 5 to 6 feet wide
• Care requirements: Partial shade to full shade; moist, well-drained, fertile soil
  

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10 Fast-Growing Vines to Grow in Your Garden - Martha Stewart
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