How Vines Climb: Matching Support to Climbing Method

The way a vine climbs determines the support it needs.

Twining Vines

Stems twist and spiral. They coil too tightly for large posts; give them slender cord or wire. To cover a wood fence with chocolate vine (Akebia quinata), string wire through eyescrews at 6–8″ intervals. Twining vines with moderate growth suit fan-shaped or rectangular trellises with narrow vertical members. To spill over an arbor, sink a narrow pole beside it; vine twines horizontally at top with streamers trailing down. Other twiners: Carolina jessamine, Dutchman's pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla), honeysuckle (Lonicera), wisteria.

Vines with Tendrils or Coiling Leafstalks

Tendrils are specialized parts from leaf ends or stem sides. They grow straight until contacting something graspable (wire, cord, another stem), then reflexively spiral around it. Vines with tendrils: grape, sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus). Some (clematis) ascend by coiling leafstalks—young leafstalks encircle slender supports like tendrils. These need slender supports; if too thick, vine tangles on itself. Excellent for latticework: chain-link fences, lath trellises.

Clinging Vines

Adhere tenaciously to flat surfaces. Specialized structures: trumpet vine (Campsis) and ivy (Hedera) have aerial rootlets; Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) has tendrils with suction discs. Good for covering wide walls. On fences/pergolas, stems attach to surface; subsequent growth piles up, resembling twining vines.

Scrambling Vines

No attachment means; climb only if secured to support as they grow. Left alone, they mound, sprawl, scramble. Some (climbing roses, bougainvilleas) hook through adjacent shrubs/trees with thorns. Grow on almost any support with appropriate attachment. Many gardeners cover flat surfaces with eyescrews and wire, tying plant at intervals.