Flowering vines are climbing or trailing plants that produce vibrant blooms, adding vertical beauty to gardens, fences, or indoor spaces. Their flowers, ranging from trumpet-shaped to star-like, come in colors like purple, white, red, or yellow, often paired with lush green foliage. They thrive in diverse climates, typically USDA zones 2–11, and are prized for their ability to cover structures with cascading or twining growth.
These plants climb using tendrils, aerial roots, or twining stems, making them ideal for trellises, arbors, or walls. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, with some tolerating poor conditions. Regular pruning maintains shape and encourages blooming, while sturdy supports are needed for vigorous species to prevent damage.
Blooming seasons vary, often spanning spring to fall, with some flowering year-round in warm climates. Their flowers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing garden ecosystems. Some produce edible fruits or seeds, though others are toxic, requiring careful selection for safety around pets or children.
Many flowering vines are perennial, returning annually, while others are grown as annuals in cooler climates. Their growth can be rapid, covering large areas, but some species are invasive, needing control to avoid overcrowding native plants. Their versatility suits both ornamental and functional roles, like privacy screens or shade providers.
Ecologically, these plants contribute to biodiversity by supporting pollinators and providing habitat. Their fragrant blooms and striking displays make them favorites for aesthetic gardens, patios, or indoor decor. With proper care, they offer long-lasting beauty, blending functionality with vibrant, vertical charm.
Flowers That Grow On Vines
Clematis (Clematis spp.)
Clematis vines produce star-shaped or bell-shaped flowers in colors like purple, blue, pink, or white, with green, deciduous leaves. Native to temperate regions, they thrive in full sun with roots in cool, moist soil (USDA zones 4–9). Blooming from spring to fall, they climb trellises or fences, attracting pollinators like bees, and require pruning based on variety for best flowering.
Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)
Wisteria bears cascading clusters of fragrant, pea-like flowers in purple, blue, or white, with pinnate green leaves. Native to Asia, it grows in full sun and well-drained soil (zones 5–9). Blooming in spring, its vigorous vines need sturdy supports and regular pruning to control growth, adding dramatic beauty to pergolas while attracting bees.
Climbing Rose (Rosa spp.)
Climbing roses feature long canes with colorful blooms in red, pink, white, or yellow, often fragrant, and thorny green stems. Native to various regions, they thrive in full sun and fertile soil (zones 5–10). Flowering from spring to summer, they climb arbors or walls, attracting pollinators, but require pruning and pest management for optimal health.
Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum)
Honeysuckle produces tubular, fragrant flowers in yellow, pink, or red, paired with oval green leaves. Native to Europe, it grows in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil (zones 4–9). Blooming summer to fall, it twines on trellises, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies, with berries that appeal to birds but are toxic to humans.
Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea)
Morning glory has trumpet-shaped flowers in blue, purple, or white, opening in the morning, with heart-shaped green leaves. Native to the Americas, it thrives as an annual in full sun and well-drained soil (zones 2–11). Fast-growing, it climbs fences, attracting pollinators, but self-seeds aggressively, needing control to prevent invasiveness.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Passionflower bears exotic, intricate flowers with layered petals in purple, white, or blue, and lobed green leaves. Native to the Americas, it grows in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil (zones 6–10). Blooming summer to fall, it climbs trellises, attracting bees and butterflies, with edible fruit in some species.
Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Trumpet vine produces clusters of orange-red, trumpet-shaped flowers with pinnate green leaves. Native to North America, it thrives in full sun and various soils (zones 4–9). Blooming in summer, its vigorous vines climb via aerial roots, attracting hummingbirds, but can be invasive, requiring pruning to manage spread.
Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
Sweet pea, an annual, has fragrant, butterfly-like flowers in pink, purple, or white, with delicate green leaves. Native to the Mediterranean, it grows in full sun and fertile, moist soil (zones 2–11). Blooming spring to summer, it climbs trellises, attracting bees, and is prized for cut flowers, needing cool temperatures for best performance.
Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata)
Black-eyed Susan vine bears bright yellow, orange, or white flowers with dark centers, and heart-shaped green leaves. Native to Africa, it grows as an annual or perennial in full sun and well-drained soil (zones 9–11). Blooming summer to fall, it twines on supports, attracting butterflies, ideal for hanging baskets or fences.
Mandevilla (Mandevilla sanderi)
Mandevilla produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers in pink, red, or white, with glossy green leaves. Native to South America, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil (zones 9–11). Blooming summer to fall, it climbs trellises or arbors, attracting hummingbirds, and is often grown in containers, needing warmth and frost protection.
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis)
Bougainvillea has vibrant, papery bracts in pink, purple, or orange surrounding tiny white flowers, with thorny green stems. Native to South America, it grows in full sun and well-drained soil (zones 9–11). Blooming year-round in warm climates, it climbs walls, attracting pollinators, but thorns require careful handling during pruning.
Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum)
Jasmine bears clusters of fragrant, star-shaped white flowers with dark green leaves. Native to Asia, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil (zones 8–10). Blooming spring to summer, it twines on supports, attracting bees, and its scent enhances patios, needing regular watering and occasional pruning.
Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)
Moonflower produces large, white, trumpet-shaped flowers that open at night, with heart-shaped green leaves. Native to the Americas, it grows as an annual in full sun and well-drained soil (zones 2–11). Blooming summer to fall, it climbs trellises, attracting moths, but its seeds are toxic, requiring caution in handling.
Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
Star jasmine has small, white, star-shaped, fragrant flowers and glossy green leaves on twining vines. Native to Asia, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil (zones 8–10). Blooming in summer, it climbs fences, attracting bees, and is evergreen, needing minimal pruning for dense growth.
Coral Vine (Antigonon leptopus)
Coral vine bears clusters of pink or white, heart-shaped flowers with lacy green leaves. Native to Mexico, it grows in full sun and well-drained soil (zones 8–11). Blooming summer to fall, it climbs rapidly via tendrils, attracting butterflies, but can be invasive, needing control in warm climates.
Hyacinth Bean (Lablab purpureus)
Hyacinth bean, an annual, produces purple or white pea-like flowers and purple-tinted leaves, followed by edible pods. Native to Africa, it thrives in full sun and fertile soil (zones 2–11). Blooming summer to fall, it climbs trellises, attracting pollinators, with young pods used in cooking, though mature seeds are toxic.
Cup-and-Saucer Vine (Cobaea scandens)
Cup-and-saucer vine has bell-shaped, purple or white flowers with green calyx “saucers” and broad green leaves. Native to Central America, it grows as an annual or perennial in full sun and well-drained soil (zones 9–11). Blooming summer to fall, it climbs via tendrils, attracting hummingbirds, and grows quickly in warm conditions.
Blue Passionflower (Passiflora caerulea)
Blue passionflower bears intricate, blue and white, star-like flowers with layered filaments and broad green leaves. Native to South America, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil (USDA zones 6–10). Blooming summer to fall, it climbs via tendrils, attracting butterflies and producing edible orange fruits, needing pruning to control vigorous growth.
Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris)
Climbing hydrangea produces flat clusters of white, lacecap flowers with heart-shaped green leaves, clinging with aerial roots. Native to Asia, it grows in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil (zones 4–8). Blooming in early summer, it covers walls or trees, attracting bees, and is slow to establish but long-lived.
Canary Creeper (Tropaeolum peregrinum)
Canary creeper, an annual, has bright yellow, fringed flowers resembling canaries, with lobed green leaves. Native to South America, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil (zones 2–11). Blooming summer to fall, it climbs trellises via leaf stalks, attracting pollinators, and grows quickly, adding a cheerful, delicate look to gardens.
Chilean Glory Flower (Eccremocarpus scaber)
Chilean glory flower bears tubular, orange-red or yellow flowers in clusters, with small, green, pinnate leaves. Native to South America, it grows as a perennial or annual in full sun and well-drained soil (zones 8–11). Blooming summer to fall, it climbs via tendrils, attracting hummingbirds, and needs frost protection in cooler climates.
Golden Trumpet (Allamanda cathartica)
Golden trumpet produces large, bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers with glossy green leaves on woody vines. Native to South America, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil (zones 9–11). Blooming year-round in warm climates, it climbs trellises, attracting butterflies, but is toxic, requiring careful handling and pruning.
Scarlet Runner Bean (Phaseolus coccineus)
Scarlet runner bean, an annual, has vibrant red flowers and broad green leaves, followed by edible pods. Native to Central America, it grows in full sun and fertile, moist soil (zones 2–11). Blooming summer, it climbs via twining, attracting hummingbirds, with young pods used in cooking, needing trellising for support.
Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla)
Dutchman’s pipe bears unique, pipe-shaped, brownish-purple flowers hidden among large, heart-shaped green leaves. Native to North America, it thrives in partial shade and moist soil (zones 4–8). Blooming in summer, it climbs via twining, attracting butterflies, and creates dense screens, needing pruning to control spread.
Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata)
Crossvine produces clusters of trumpet-shaped, orange-yellow or red flowers with evergreen or semi-evergreen leaves. Native to North America, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil (zones 5–9). Blooming spring to summer, it climbs via tendrils, attracting hummingbirds, and is drought-tolerant once established.
Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
Japanese honeysuckle bears fragrant, tubular white flowers that turn yellow, with oval green leaves. Native to Asia, it grows in full sun to partial shade and various soils (zones 4–9). Blooming summer to fall, it twines on fences, attracting bees, but can be invasive, requiring aggressive pruning.
Firecracker Vine (Manettia luteorubra)
Firecracker vine has small, tubular red-orange flowers resembling firecrackers, with narrow green leaves. Native to South America, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil (zones 9–11). Blooming summer to fall, it climbs via twining, attracting hummingbirds, and is ideal for containers or trellises.
Climbing Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Climbing nasturtium, an annual, produces round, bright orange, yellow, or red flowers with shield-shaped green leaves. Native to South America, it grows in full sun and poor, well-drained soil (zones 2–11). Blooming summer to fall, it climbs low supports, with edible flowers and leaves attracting pollinators.
Purple Bell Vine (Rhodochiton atrosanguineus)
Purple bell vine bears heart-shaped, dark purple flowers with pink calyces, dangling from slender green stems. Native to Mexico, it grows as an annual or perennial in full sun and well-drained soil (zones 9–11). Blooming summer to fall, it climbs via twining, attracting bees, and suits hanging baskets.
Cypress Vine (Ipomoea quamoclit)
Cypress vine, an annual, has star-shaped, scarlet or white flowers with feathery, fern-like green leaves. Native to Central America, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil (zones 2–11). Blooming summer to fall, it climbs via twining, attracting hummingbirds, but self-seeds, needing control to prevent invasiveness.
Snail Vine (Vigna caracalla)
Snail vine produces spiral, lavender or white flowers resembling snails, with trifoliate green leaves. Native to South America, it grows in full sun and well-drained soil (zones 9–11). Blooming summer to fall, it twines on trellises, attracting butterflies, and needs warmth for continuous flowering.
Cathedral Bells (Cobaea pringlei)
Cathedral bells, related to cup-and-saucer vine, bear large, bell-shaped purple or white flowers with green leaves. Native to Central America, it grows as a perennial or annual in full sun and well-drained soil (zones 9–11). Blooming summer to fall, it climbs via tendrils, attracting pollinators, and grows rapidly.
Pink Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum ‘Pink’)
Pink jasmine has clusters of pink-tinted, fragrant white flowers with glossy green leaves on twining vines. Native to Asia, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil (zones 8–10). Blooming spring to summer, it climbs arbors, attracting bees, and needs regular watering for lush growth.
Herald’s Trumpet (Beaumontia grandiflora)
Herald’s trumpet bears large, white, trumpet-shaped flowers with glossy, evergreen leaves on woody vines. Native to Asia, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil (zones 10–12). Blooming spring to summer, it climbs sturdy supports, attracting butterflies, and needs ample space and warmth for its vigorous growth.