We all desire a beautiful garden, and many of us have deer that frequent our yards. We have several blog posts that focus on deer-resistant trees and other plants. Today, we are focusing on sharing deer-resistant, flowering vines that beautify a garden. Keep in mind that if a deer is hungry, it will eat almost anything, but these six vines are typically not munched on by deer.
Climbing Hydrangea
Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris)
Deer love hydrangeas. Do not plant hydrangea shrubs if you have deer nearby (unless you want them nibbled often!). Deer are not attracted to climbing hydrangea, however.
love part sun locations (morning sun with afternoon shade)
matures to be approximately 20-30' tall and 6-8' wide
white blooms in late spring to summer
needs moist, well-draining, fertile soil
doesn't usually need a lot of pruning
Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens)
'Amethyst Falls' Wisteria is an excellent dwarf climbing vine that produces large, fragrant, lilac-colored blooms in spring.
18-20' high and 10-15' spread at maturity
plant in full sun for the best blooms, in moist, well-draining soil
blooms in late spring on new wood
in late spring it has a plethora of gorgeous blooms and then another lighter bloom cycle in summer
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum)
We are used to seeing yellow honeysuckle in the wild. Did you know there are several different varieties of honeysuckle? One of our favorites is Peaches and Cream!
most varieties mature to be approximately 20' tall and 24' wide
loves full-sun to part-sun locations
attracts birds, especially hummingbirds
prune in late winter, if desired
use as a privacy screen, on a trellis, or fence
plant smaller flowers or shrubs in front of, as honeysuckle tends to be leggy at the base of the plant
Clematis
Clematis; Leather Flower (Clematis)
Clematis is a beautiful flowering vine that boasts large flowers in late spring throughout summer. Many colors are available, ranging from whites, pinks, purples, deep reds, and variegated blooms.
matures to be approximately 10' tall by 2-6' wide, depending on the variety
grow in full-sun to part-sun locations
Clematis is a slow grower
looks magnificent on a trellis or near the mailbox; will need to be supported on the trellis
attracts pollinators
needs moist, well-draining, fertile soil
Trumpet Flower
Trumpet Flower; Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata)
The trumpet flower is a tropical-looking flowering vine, featuring a mass of gorgeous, bright blooms in spring. Depending on the variety, flowers can be golds, yellows, oranges, or burgundy reds.
matures to be approximately 30-50' tall and 6-9' wide (can be pruned as needed)
needs full to part-sun locations
pollinator-attractor
semi-evergreen leaves
has good fall leaf color
blooms range from orange, yellow, or burgundy red, depending on the variety
quite heat-resistant
Carolina Jessamine
Carolina Jessamine; Winter Jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens)
This stunning flowering vine produces an abundance of gorgeous yellow blooms in late winter into mid-spring.
matures to be approximately 10-20' tall by 3-6' wide
needs full-sun or part-sun locations
semi-evergreen foliage
if pruning is needed, wait until right after it has bloomed so you don't accidentally cut off next year's blooms (that are forming inside the stems)
pollinator-attractor, especially butterflies and hummingbirds