Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_43.gif)
Saturday - January 17, 2015
From: Boerne, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Planting, Vines
Title: Fast-growing vines for the Texas Hill Country
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
What are the best fast-growing vines for our Hill Country location? The vine will be growing on a stucco wall, so we don't want the vine to grow into the stucco and destroy it. Location has morning sun.ANSWER:
The kind of vine to look for is one that simply twines around its support or that uses tendrils to attach itself to substrates as it climbs. Tendrils are protuberences like tiny tentacles that wrap around twigs wires, etc. for support. They would not penetrate stucco, but the vine would need a trellis or other means of support. Many other species of vine attach by holdfasts, which do bind to almost any surface and often penetrate into it, and should be avoided.
Suggested native species for your situation include Passiflora incarnata (Purple passionflower)(a fairly rapid grower), Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina jessamine), Lonicera sempervirens (Coral honeysuckle), Lonicera albiflora (Western white honeysuckle), Wisteria frutescens (American wisteria) and Bignonia capreolata (Crossvine)(grows rapidly but has tendrils that attach tightly to substrates). Hopefully one of these will suit your requirements. Most of these plants should be available from your local nurseries. This is a good time of the year to plant.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Invasive vines in azaleas in South Carolina
July 07, 2008 - I have saw briars and wild jasmine, and cow itch vine that has invaded my azaleas, and would like your input on how to get rid of them without completely destroying my azaleas. Thanks
view the full question and answer
Problem with acanthus in Vancouver BC
May 16, 2010 - My girlfriend's Mom just planted an Acanthus in her garden. In the morning, it apparently stands up tall, but in the evening it bends over until the the leaves are lying in the dirt. She's concerned...
view the full question and answer
Ficus pumila on Stucco Walls
October 06, 2015 - Can the creeping fig vine damage the stucco covered walls?
view the full question and answer
Identification of purchased vine
November 11, 2010 - Hi,
I bought a hanging vine plant, and came with no id. The leaves are simple, alternate arrangement, entire margin (smooth edge margin). It has an ashy look, like the green purple sage. The flower ...
view the full question and answer
Want a vine, non-toxic to dogs, for Reno, NV.
September 11, 2012 - I want a non toxic (to dogs) vine for Reno, NV
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |