Many of us enjoy the bright, flamboyant colors of the tropics when we go on vacation. Homeowners may wonder if there is any way to bring this exuberance into their own back yards. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) keeps a standard, known as the Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which is used to determine which plants grow in a given region of the country. Central Maryland lies in USDA zones 6 and 7; any plant species that are hardy in these zones will thrive and survive in our climate. Flowering vines are a perfect way to bring the bright colors of the tropics to your custom home! Here are a couple of species to consider.
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle are great flowering vines that can be used to cover the walls of a courtyard or a pergola. They grow quickly and the blossoms range in colors – light, creamy spring colors. More flamboyant reds and oranges are also available. Plus, these flowering vines provide great bird-watching opportunities as hummingbirds love them! Some honeysuckle species are considered invasive, however, so check with a local nursery before you begin planting.
Passionflower
Passionflower can survive in USDA zones 6-9 and are one of the most distinctive-looking flowering vines available. It is native to Central and South America and is perfect for covering a fence with colors and leaves. However, passionflower vines can take over your space in a hurry, so plant them on a structure that makes it easy to prune the vines so that they don’t run wild on your property!
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