Any suggestions for a small vine to grow up my mailbox?

[wildeyed]

Full sun, zone 7. Morning glory is out, I've had problems with those becoming invasive before. Clematis is the only other plant I come up with that will fit the small space, but since I was getting so many good suggestions in the other thread for ground covers, I thought I would throw this out there, too, see if there was something I didn't know about or hadn't considered.

[TygrBright]

1. Well, I was gonna say "clematis"...

...since that's the only vine I know that will behave with anything approaching moderation in Zone 7. Maybe a passiflora variety like "Maypop?"

quizzically,
Bright

[wildeyed]

3. Maypop sounds too big and wild for my little mailbox.

Prolly gonna be clematis. I actually bought a miniature climbing rose, a sport of 'the Fairy', but decided at the last minute that it got too wide for the area and planted it somewhere else.

[babylonsister]

2. I've never heard of a 'small vine' but I live in TX where it's hot

more than not; every vine I've ever had goes nuts in the summer. I hate to cut them back, but have to on occasion. I'll be interested in what everyone comes up with. Just wonderin', is mandevilla sold where you live?

[wildeyed]

4. Mandevilla is not hardy here.

I would have to lift it every fall, which I doubt I would get around to. Too bad, otherwise it sounds perfect!

[NJCher]

5. that's what my mother uses

It's been quite satisfactory in years past. This year she put it out a little late and it's a little skimpy.




Cher

[Imalittleteapot]

6. I'm in zone 7.

Go to this site: http://www.westongardens.com/wgib%20starting%20page.htm

They have a list of vines for my area. I get my plant material from Weston. Most everything they sell is native or acclimated to our region. I don't know if they sell on line, but I think they will ship to you if you can't find what you want locally.

I have a red Cross Vine that is evergreen. I love it. Mine blooms in the spring - early summer.

Annual vines I have tried and love:
Hyacinth Bean and Cypress Vine. For years I collected seed and planted the following spring. Both are great bloomers.

My next vine venture will be with Autumn Clematis.

[wildeyed]

7. I have always wanted to grow Autumn Clematis.

It is on the list. I grow Hyacinth Bean in my back yard against the garage. It takes all the heat of August without a whimper. Weirdly, it didn't do much this year. Most years I am whacking it back about now.

[TygrBright]

9. Autumn clematis needs WAY more space and support...

...than a mailbox. It'll have that puppy down in jig time, believe me. I love autumn clematis but it is definitely a plant for a big, sturdy back fence, well-constructed shed/garage, etc. It's not a strangler, like wistaria can be, but it gets very big and very heavy!

Gorgeous, though. I really miss the one I left behind in MD, it used to cover the back fence with a glorious foam of snowy blossom through most of Sept. and into early October. Of course, the Spring cutting back was always a fairly hilarious adventure, reminiscent of a Charlie Chaplin comedy, trying to cut it away section by section and getting caught and wound up in the thick mat of stems.

reminiscently,
Bright

[wildeyed]

11. Ah, but the mailbox would die a glorious death.

But you are right, inappropriate for the site. Wish I could figure a place to put it, though, it sounds lovely.

You know what I really want to grow someday? One of those ginormous, old fashioned rambling roses. Maybe Lady Banks. http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/53223/index.html They have one at a botanical garden I visit sometimes, and some of its canes have a larger diameter than my wrist.

[BOSSHOG]

8. Bougainvilla?

Can get rather large but its a beautiful plant:

http://www.alohatropicals.com/Bougainvilla.html

[TygrBright]

10. That would be nicely self-restrained in Zone 7...

...but it would definitely have to be lifted. Still, here in Santa Fe there are a good many potted bougies that seem to do just fine.

diffidently,
Bright

[LeftCoast]

12. What about star jasmine? I think it's ok for zone 7.

Small, pretty white flowers that smell like heaven. Your mail carrier will love you for it. :)

[politicat]

13. Sweetpeas?

They are annuals, but they're hardy and they do okay in 7. They're not as invasive as morning glories (though actual morning glories rather than wild ones are far less invasive.)

[Dora]

14. Jasmine. n/t

[eleny]

15. morning glory?

they can grow to about 10 feet. a neighbor did that this year and they look so sweet.

[mitchtv]

16. Scarlet runner bean

perrenial in Calif
black eyed susan vine annual zone seven
star Jasmine a good suggestion

[bleedingheart]

17. check with your mail delivery person too...

my delivery guy is allergic and afraid of bees...as much as it would be nice to run some pretty vine, if it flowers he won't deliver my mail if it is surrounded by bees.

[flying_wahini]

18. i'm gonna have to go with star jasmine, too

a wonderful green glossy leaf and a good bloomer with a fragrance that can't be beat....