What Kind Of Vine To Grow

Question

I live in hardiness zones 8a and 8b. I have a patio that gets lots of sun and want to plant vines that will climb over a newly installed wood pergola. I have a cat and dog and can’t get anything toxic to pets. I would prefer something that doesn’t attract pests like wasps and aphids, and doesn’t create a big mess with debris or ripe fruit (like a grape vine). I have chronic back pain and would like to do the least maintenance possible. The vines will be planted in a fairly narrow bed that already has a few shrubs. Of course I’d like something that is not aggressively invasive that will quickly grow out of control. Does that leave anything? Could you recommend to me what to get? Thank you.

Answer 1

Choosing a low maintenance climbing vine is not an easy feat. Many vines are not the best idea for a pergola because they need pruning and thinning each year, sometimes twice a year for proper growth. And who wants to get on a stepladder to prune? If you don't, they become a tangled mess. Also, most of the flowering vines will attract bees and wasps. To avoid pruning, you can opt for an annual vine, but then you have to replant each year (unless it reseeds) and wait most of the summer for any coverage.

These are our articles for zone 8 vines but they all need pruning.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-8/zone-8-vertical-gardens.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-8/vines-for-zone-8.htm