Does anyone have a recommendation to offer for a very fast-growing flowering evergreen vine? My kids have a bamboo teepee covered in sweet-potato vines, and they'd like to have it covered in something else more permanent for the winter and thereafter.
my 8yo in the teepee with his "wand" - a stalk from our poor, unhappy Agapanthus (I think I overwatered it.)
Fritz the rooster in the "teepee garden" (under construction)
I had Confederate Star Jasmin on an arbor for about 3 years. It did freeze back last year, however, it did come back from the roots and is growing again now. If you used it you mignt throw a sheet over it when we have hard freezes, it is fine with frost, shade, and full sun. It has a wonderful smell, but doesn't seem to attract bees, or mine didn't.
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/55230/index.html
Cute tee-pee and kiddos.
The Crossvine, Bignonia capreolata is an evergreen native, and very hardy. It blooms profusely in the spring with orange yellow flowers, no scent.
The Carolina Jessamine, Gelsemium sempervirens, is also an evergreen native,
very hardy with yellow scented flowers in the Spring.
Those are excellent choices for this area.
Josephine.
In a sheltered spot (against the house) my confederate jasmine has been evergreen. Beware when it blooms in the spring though, the bees love it...
Carolina Jessamine could be fabulous -- we have 7 along our fence and in various places of the yard. It is evergreen, a relatively-fast grower, and the blooms in March are beautiful. We've never had too much of a bee problem when they are blooming (I have someone in the house here who's allergic, so we have to watch that), but then, I don't have them draped over a teepee, either. Someone else might be better able to advise on bees and CJess, though as I've said, we've not seen a whole lot of bees attracted to the vines in-flower.
The Crossvine mentioned by Frostweed is a hummingbird plant and it grows quickly, too.
I am not familiar w/ the Jessamine, but Susannah makes it sound very nice.
I love the way jasmine smells. I don't know why I didn't think of it for the teepee. However, hummingbirds sure would be better than bees. Does anyone know how well the Crossvine does in shade (or I suppose part shade)? Is it something I could buy at Home Depot or Lowe's? It looks very pretty.
Yes, it does fine in part shade, and the home depot or lowes do carry it. It is a wonderful vine, and when in bloom it is stunning. Another good thing, mine has never been bothered by insects or desease.
Josephine.
Then I'm decided. Thanks very much, all. My younger little one loves flowers, and he'll be very pleased.
