Plants

Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus'

[Coloratus Wintercreeper Euonymus]

Can tolerate full sun to full shade. Best in soil that is reasonably moist, but not heavy or wet. Can be used as a wall climber, but is best as a groundcover. This vigorous form turns purplish-plum during the winter months. Can be subject to Euonymus Scale. Euonymus fortunei is a vigorous vine that invades forest openings and margins. It grows across the ground, displacing herbaceous plants and seedlings and climbs trees high into the…

Hedera helix

[English Ivy]

Tolerant of heavy shade to full sun except at the northern limits of its useful range, where some protection from full winter sun is necessary. Useful as a groundcover only, not as a vine, in Zone 5b, except hardiest cultivars in sheltered sites. Vigorous and can be a weed problem in certain regions of the country (like the NW US) where it can smother woodlands. Poisonous fruits, but it generally takes many years for it…

Hedera helix 'Baltica'

[Baltica English Ivy]

'Baltica' has smaller leaves with more prominent white veination. Foliage becomes tinged with purple in the winter. Tolerant of heavy shade to full sun except at the northern limits of its useful range, where some protection from full winter sun is necessary. Vigorous and can be a weed problem in certain regions of the country (like the NW US) where it can smother woodlands. Poisonous fruits, but it generally takes many years for it to…

Hedera helix 'Thorndale'

[Thorndale English Ivy]

'Thorndale' is a very hardy cultivar that has large, glossy leaves with striking white veination. Tolerant of heavy shade to full sun except at the northern limits of its useful range, where some protection from full winter sun is necessary. Useful as a groundcover and vine. Vigorous and can be a weed problem in certain regions of the country (like the NW US) where it can smother woodlands. Poisonous fruits, but it generally takes many…

Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris

[Climbing Hydrangea]

Among the best ornamental vines. Holds to a wall using root-like holdfasts arising from nodes. Grows best in shaded areas. Slow to establish. Best to transplant from a container. Although it can eventaully reach up to 80 feet, its size is controllable, if desired.

Lonicera sempervirens 'Magnifica'

[Coral Honeysuckle]

Mandevilla × amoena

[Mandevilla Vine]

The Mandevilla Vine is a vigorous plant that climbs by twining. Can be grown in containers and as a houseplant. 'Alice du Pont' is more common in commerce than the species type.

Pachysandra terminalis

[Japanese Spurge]

Tolerates full shade, and requires at least partial shade. Does well under shallow-rooted trees with some irrigation. One of the most effective ground covers in resisting encroachment of weeds. Volutella leaf blight can be problem.

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

[Virginia Creeper]

One of the strongest-climbing vines, given solid support for attachment of the adhesive discs on tendrils (not root). Not a vine for trellises or fences. Tolerates any soil, and sun or shade. Limited value as groundcover.

Parthenocissus tricuspidata

[Boston Ivy]

One of the strongest-climbing vines, give solid support for attachment of the adhesive discs on tendrils. Not a vine for trellises or fences. Very tolerant of urban soils. Not a good groundcover.