Quick growing non-invasive vines for shady garden fort?
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
| I just ordered this for DD's birthday: http://www.magiccabin.com/Magic-Cabin-Exclusives/GardenFortand153;-Backyard-Play-Space.htm. She asked for a play fort and loves to garden. It comes with seeds, but I don't know if these are the best kind of seeds for our region. The only quick growing shady vine I know is English Ivy and I don't want to introduce something so invasive. Any other suggestions? |
Anonymous
|
Is the fort in shade or will it be shady one the vines grow?
Runner beans are a quick annual for a reasonably sunny spot. |
Anonymous
I like the runner bean idea! Also, see page 64 for ideas: http://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/chesapeake/pdf/chesapeakenatives.pdf There is a children's garden at Agricultural History Farm park with a tunnel with vines, but I can't remember what the vine is. It's probably online. (Good instinct--don't go with English Ivy!) |
Anonymous
|
There are lots of natives that are good "climbers"
http://www.gardeners.com/how-to/how-plants-climb/5373.html |
Anonymous
| OP here: Wow! Thanks so much for the advice and resources. Yes, the space is relatively shady because it's surrounded by a fence. In that spot bluebells are growing, so there's some light. Based on my research, I've narrowed the choices to Star Jasmine, Trumpet Honeysuckle and Clematis. There's some Virginia Creeper poking through the fence already, but I keep pulling it thinking it's a weed. Maybe I should just let it go. Another option is Wisteria, but I don't think we have enough sun for that. Thanks again! |
Anonymous
|
Clematis and honeysuckle are pretty, but the bloom time is short and they can get leggy.
Climbing hydrangea might work for a shady spot. |
Anonymous
Climbing hydrangea can take years to get climbing then it shoots to 30 ft or more. Avoid Sweet Autumn Clematis -- invasive in this area. |
Anonymous
| How about passion flower: http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=pain6 |