Plants

Passiflora caerulea

[Blue Passionflower]

This is one of the hardiest passion flowers, dying back in colder climates, but hardy to 10 degrees F. (It is suspected that the specimen at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN (USDA zone 5a), is kept alive in the winter by the heat radiated from the greenhouses and building it is planted near.) Plant is evergreen in tropical environments. Extraordinary flowers and tasty, edible fruits (passion fruit). Prefers loose sandy or gravelly soil that…

Reynoutria compacta

[Japanese Knotweed]

Handsome groundcover with summer color. Adaptable to poor, dry soils. Just a root cutting stuck in poor soil will lead to an aggressive spreading groundcover. Spreads by underground stems; can be very invasive. Fall color not attractive (best to mow it down in the fall).

Schizophragma hydrangeoides

[Japanese Hydrangea-vine]

The Japanese Hydrangea-vine is a shade tolerant vine within the Hydrangea family. Root-like fixtures, or adhesive rootlets, allow this vine to grow vertically up masonry walls, trellis structures, and sides of buildings. Its flowers are lace-cap hydrangea-like clusters that bloom in mid-June through July.

Vinca major 'Variegata'

[Variegated Greater Periwinkle]

The Greater Periwinkle is very similar to the Common Periwinkle (Vinca minor), except it is overall larger and less cold hardy, only marginally hardy in USDA zones 5 and 6. 'Variegata' has irregular, creamy white markings along leaf margins. A great evergreen ground cover for shady locations. Spreads quickly after establishment in warmer climates. Does best with regular watering on well-drained soil. Prune back in the spring.

Vinca minor

[Common Periwinkle]

One of the best evergreen ground covers for a shady location. Spreads quickly after establishment. Subject to stem-rot disease when grown vigorously and in wet soil. Also does not like very dry soil and full sun. Does best with regular watering on well-drained soil.

Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea'

[Atropurpurea Periwinkle]

'Atropurpurea' is an excellent cultivar that has large, dark plum-purple flowers. One of the best evergreen ground covers for a shady location. Spreads quickly after establishment. Subject to stem-rot disease when grown vigorously and in wet soil. Also does not like very dry soil and full sun. Does best with regular watering on well-drained soil.

Vinca minor 'Bowles'

[Bowles Periwinkle]

Vinca minor 'La Grave'

[La Grave Periwinkle]

Also known as cultivar 'Bowles', this very common and vigorous variant has large, blue-purple flowers. One of the best evergreen ground covers for a shady location. Spreads quickly after establishment. Subject to stem-rot disease when grown vigorously and in wet soil. Also does not like very dry soil and full sun. Does best with regular watering on well-drained soil.

Vitis × 'Frontenac gris'

[Frontenac gris Grape]

Vitis x 'Frontenac gris' is a vigorous grape vine that produces grayish-purple berries covered in a waxy bloom. The grapes can be eaten fresh or used in making white wine and desserts. Vitis are generally grown for fruit production, rather than for ornamental purposes. Provide a support for the vine to grow on and shelter from harsh winter winds. Regular training and pruning are required for optimum fruit production. For more specific information on grape…

Wisteria floribunda

[Japanese Wisteria]

Use plants propagated vegetatively from heavy-flowering clones, as much variation exists in flowering. Some find it difficult to induce flowering. Too much nitrogen may promote more vegetative than flower bud formation. Can damage light-weight supporting structures, as vine can develop several inches in diameter.