Vines for Container Gardens

In containers or outdoor planters, there area number of both annual and perennial vines that are suitable.  Consider the Potato Vine (Solanum jasminoides), all of the Morning Glories (Ipomoea supp.), Cup and saucer vine, Cathedral bells (Cobaea scandens), and of course the Sweet Pea and Hyacinth beans.    They all grow best in full sun and rich, well-drained, evenly moist soil.  Use these vines in a container that will be set against a wall and install a sturdy trellis toward the back of the pot.  If the container or planter is to be viewed from all sides, then set the trellis in the center of the pot. 

Plant your vine in the large planter or container and then train the main stems of the vines to run up the trellis and let some of the other stems wander among the other plants and spill over the sides.  Pinch the stem tips during the season to increase branching on these wandering trailers.  You may wish to add colorful annuals to complete the combination.  The effect is lovely and creates a feeling of fullness and abundance around the pot.

Containers planted with just one vine or a combination of vines also make very striking specimens.  One effective way to create this effect is to select a pillar or obelisk type of trellis large enough for the legs of the trellis to extend nearly to the edges of the container, and then plant the vines.  Set the planters with the specimen vines toward the back of a grouping of combinations that will not grow as high or display them alone in a prominent place.  Create a focal point with your combinations.  They are also striking when set as a pair to mark an entrance or portal.

Just a short note on combining vines in your planters.  Planting two or more vines together can create a wonderful effect.  Plant your annual vines near the established perennial ones.  For example, if your Dutchman’s pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla) is well established on your porch or deck area, plant scarlet runner beans in a planter near its base each Spring.  Scarlet runner beans attract hummingbirds and add colorful flowers and fruit.  The vines of the two plants complement each other – the flowers from the beans add interest and color against a wonderful green background.  What better way to add color and texture to your combination.  Here again, your planters and containers can be moved around where you see a spot that could use some interest or fill in a blank spot.

Annual vines provide an interesting combination on a trellis for your home and garden.  Plant a Balloon vine (Love-in-a-puff) with hyacinth beans.  The lacy leaves of the Balloon vine also go well with morning glories.  Be creative, try new combinations each year and see what works best for you and your garden, deck and patio landscape.

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