Silver Lace Vine

Silver Lace Vine

Botanical name: Fallopia aubertii – or Polygonum aubertii, growing best in full sun to patrial shsde as a 20-40′ vine with good spread

Caution: This plant is often sold as a zone 4 plant, though some companies list the same botanical name as a zone 5. Zone 4 might need additional care and winter cover.

This is one of my favorite plants for birds, because of how it attracts them. Silver Lace Vine comes into bloom late in August or early September – when most plants have already experienced their peak bloom – and is an insect magnet at a time when southerly migrating insectivorous birds are passing through.

Best planted in full sun to light shade in well drained soil, though Silver Lace Vine tolerates most soil types, and drought well; grows extremely well even in poor soils. It is a very vigorous climber with fragrant flowers, and requires strong support from a trellis.

Trumpet Creeper

Trumpet Creeper (Campas radicans) is a native vine, exceptional for attracting hummingbirds. Though tolerant of many soil conditions, it is best planted in average, well-drained soil at the base of a fence, trellis, pergola, or tree where for support. With support, it can grow 20m high.

Flowers can bloom from June through September;  profusely in full sun, and less so in shade or partial shade. Flowers are usually orange, but cultivars in yellow or deep red are available as well. It can easily be transplanted from well established plants because of its hardiness, and its spreading ability.

Trumpet Vine can spread quickly in the right conditions; sending out runners underground. For this reason, containment such as raised flower beds or planters may be important in smaller areas. Also, be wary of yellow cultivars as that color may not be best suited to attracting hummingbirds.