Vertical gardening is the secret to a lush, multi-dimensional landscape. This "Favorites" collection features my top-tier picks for US gardens—vines and climbers that offer more than just green leaves. From the intoxicating perfume of Jasmine and Honeysuckle to the fire-red autumn foliage of Boston Ivy and Virginia Creeper, these plants have been selected for their reliability, vigor, and high-impact beauty. Whether you need to cover an "ugly" fence or create a fragrant backyard retreat, these are the winners I recommend first.
Virginia Creeper
The Look: A vigorous American native with 5-lobed leaves that emerge purple-bronze, turn lush green in summer, and explode into brilliant crimson-red in the fall.
Best For: Fast, "indestructible" coverage. It uses adhesive-tipped tendrils to climb almost any surface. It’s a wildlife hero, providing blue-black berries for birds in winter. (Zones 3-9).
Guernsey Flute™ Clematis
The Look: Unique 6-inch starry white blooms that start as elegant, champagne-flute-shaped buds before opening flat.
Best For: Pure elegance in small spaces. Part of the Boulevard® series, this compact repeat-bloomer is perfect for patio containers where you can admire the "flute" buds up close. (Zones 4-9).
Rebecca™ Clematis
The Look: One of the best true-red Clematis varieties available, featuring massive, velvety blooms with creamy centers.
Best For: High-impact color. It’s a stunning "spiller" in large containers or a focal point on a white trellis. It’s a magnet for hummingbirds! (Zones 4-9).
Peaches and Cream Honeysuckle
The Look: A bicolor beauty with highly fragrant soft pink and creamy yellow tubular flowers.
Best For: Heat and humidity. Unlike older varieties, this improved selection is highly mildew-resistant and handles the "Peach State" humidity or midwest summers with ease. (Zones 4-9).
Scentsation Honeysuckle
The Look: Just as the name suggests—an intensely fragrant vine covered in yellow and white blossoms from spring through summer.
Best For: Sensory gardens. Plant this near a window or a porch swing so the heavy, sweet perfume can drift into your home. (Zones 4-9).
Boston Ivy
The Look: The classic "Ivy League" look. Glossy three-lobed leaves that provide a flat, green "living wall" before turning fiery scarlet and purple in autumn.
Best For: Privacy and cooling. It can cover a massive wall (30–50 ft) quickly, naturally insulating your home and hiding eyesores with ease. (Zones 4-8).
Nelly Moser Clematis
The Look: Huge, iconic 8-inch flowers that are pale pink with a bold carmine-red stripe down each petal.
Best For: Part-shade areas. In fact, it prefers a bit of shade to keep its colors from fading in the hot afternoon sun. (Zones 4-9).
Golden Creeping Jenny
The Look: A low-growing "climber" that acts more as a cascading trailer, featuring brilliant chartreuse/gold coin-shaped leaves.
Best For: "Spilling" over the edges of pots or retaining walls.(Zones 3-9).
Confederate Jasmine (Star Jasmine)
The Look: An evergreen vine with glossy dark leaves and tiny, white, pinwheel-shaped flowers that smell like a tropical paradise.
Best For: Southern gardens (Zones 7-11). It stays green all year and is famous for its powerful, sweet scent