One of the most common problems in gardening is finding ways to cover derelict spaces without spending a fortune. An easy solution is to grow flowers and vines on trellises, whether arched or attached to a garden bed. Unlike wooden or bamboo stakes, these sturdy trellises will last for years to come. 

While annual vines are useful for covering fences or structures in a short span of time, perennial vines have their perks too. They tend to be slow growing, but once they get started, they can reach marvelous lengths, growing larger each year. Some gardeners will even twine two vines together to create a stunning chromatic effect. 

Vines are better options than a shrub border because they’re more versatile and oftentimes, produce a more aesthetic result. Here’s a few perennial vines with Old World charm that will stay fresh year after year. 

1. Dutchman’s Pipe       

In the sweltering southern sun, the vines of this unusual plant flourishes along porches. Although it does have an aggressive spreading habit, the Dutchman’s pipe, Aristolochia macrophylla, is not considered invasive. A great alternative for ivy, it gains its name from its strange, mottled flowers, which are usually hidden by foliage. It’s also host to the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly, a stunning butterfly with iridescent blue wings. Keep this plant away from pets – repeated exposure to the toxins can lead to kidney failure. 

2. Clematis   

Clematis is an old-fashioned favorite that comes in multiple colors, with purple and lilac being the most prominent. ‘Fragrant Star’ clematis is a fragrant variety that releases a sweet, vanilla scent; Dr. Ruppel Clematis is a long-lived variety that produces delicate, pink flowers. Be careful though – young clematis is brittle and even slight damage can harm the vines. The more ambitious gardener can train clematis to twin with other vines like climbing roses and honeysuckle.  

3. Coral Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle gets a bad reputation, but unlike the Japanese honeysuckle, (Lonicera japonica), coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is not an invasive species. It does tend to cover structures with dense thickets and will need a trim from time to time. Though it lacks the fragrance of the invasive honeysuckle, it compensates by being a hummingbird magnet. 

4. Carolina Jessamine (Yellow Jasmine) 

Bright yellow flowers aren’t usually the best looking, but Carolina jessamine is an exception, with a preponderance of cheery, butter-yellow flowers. Suited for warmer climates, this perennial vine is an early bloomer, surprising gardeners with its flowers at a time when the ground is barren. Swamp jessamine, which can bloom in both the spring and fall, is often labelled as Carolina jessamine. The highly toxic flowers (keep away from pets) have a slight hyacinth scent that is not overly strong. 

5. Garlic Vine     

The garlic vine gets its name from its leaves, which smell like garlic when crushed. Apart from its name, it bears little resemblance to the crop and boasts tricolor lavender flowers. It thrives in zones 9 – 11, making it ideal for warm tropical and subtropical climates. While makeshift trellises are an option, this beautiful vine is best displayed on white fences or modern trellises, where its beauty is on full display. 

6. Star Jasmine             

A classic Southern plant, the scent of star jasmine conjures up many idyllic summer evenings spent by the garden, serenaded by the rich fragrance borne by the breeze. To light a way at night, try these solar lights, designed to easily attach to Vego raised garden beds. Star jasmine is highly versatile and is known to grace pillars and the sides of houses – it works exceptionally well with Mediterranean or rustic, cottage facades. 

7. Purple Passionflower          

 Even if you aren’t fond of passionfruit, the striking flowers the passionfruit vine produces will outshine any nearby flowers. These pale flowers, fringed with purple, will integrate nicely into a tropical themed garden, where other exotic flowers dwell. The only downside is that passionflower has a high flammability rating and should not be planted near your home. 

8. Chocolate Vine    

Although deemed invasive in the southern United States, chocolate vine is a pretty vine to grow if you live in a manageable area, away from woodlands, where it is unlikely to spiral out of control. Like its name suggests, it gives off a scent reminiscent of chocolate. Chocolate vine produces edible seed pods with a gelatinous texture, though they sadly do not taste like chocolate.  

9. Climbing Roses     

Roses will forever be the quintessential fairytale flower, renowned for both their iconic blooms and fragrance. David Austin has several climbing rose varieties that careen up trellises beautifully, producing scores of shapely cupped flowers. Climbing roses come in dozens of colors, though the paler ones are recommended for trellising because of the calming quality they bring to the garden. When growing roses on trellises, pruning helps to promote circulation and reduce risk of leaf spot disease. 

10. False Hydrangea Vine     

Similar to climbing hydrangea, the false hydrangea (Schizophragma) is differentiated by its sail-like sepals. False hydrangea vine also comes in a blushing pink that adds variety. Compared to climbing hydrangea, false hydrangea is less cold tolerant, with a few hardy only to zone 7. 

11. Bougainvillea

Many Mediterranean magazines feature these hot-pink petals juxtaposed against whitewashed walls. Upon closer inspection, the flowers are actually modified leaves, called bracts. Less visible are their thorns, which can pierce through clothing and result in an unpleasant sensation. Still, it is a beautiful vine to grow once the proper precautions are taken. Bougainvillea thrives on verandas in full sunlight – shade will stunt the ‘flowering.’