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ISO evergreen vine that won’t damage brick #865405

Asked April 22, 2024, 11:31 AM EDT

Hello, I live in Silver Spring, MD and would love advice regarding the selection of vine(s) for two separate parts of my yard. In one location, I’m interested in softening the appearance of the East/south corner of my brick house. Is like to plant an evergreen vine, some that has year round interest. I know that I would need to train/prune the vine to keep it in check, but would like to find one that doesn’t require frequent maintenance, and one that doesn’t damage the brick/wood on my house. In the second location, I would like a vine with the same characteristics, but the exposure (west/south, but shaded by neighboring house) is considerably more shady.

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

We don't have many evergreen vine options in Maryland that are winter hardy here. Do you have deer presence in your yard? 

For both locations you could try: 

Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) - will be more robust in the sun. - this would need support along the brick, like guy wires.

Armand Clematis (Climatis armandii - this will need a support like guy wires attached along the brick. 

Bignonia capreolata Crossvine - this is native and gets very tall 30-50 feet or as tall as its structure, but will need support as well. 

These are evergreen vines but may get some winter burn on the leaves especially if they get hit with a cold winter wind, but they should put out new growth in the spring to cover it. 

Another consideration could be climbing hydrangea, Hydrangea anomala petiolaris. This is a vine that would cling to the brick without the need for an additional support and shouldn't damage the brick. It is not evergreen but does have interesting exfoliating bark that will be revealed in the winter. It is a slow grower, something I refer to as a patience plant, since it takes a few years to get established and start blooming. The plus side is that it won't risk taking over your house or needing the be pruned back. 

Virginia creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, is a native vine that is also a deciduous, but in the fall its a vibrant rainbow of shades of lime green, yellow, bright red and orange and the birds will enjoy their berries. That will cling to the brick as well but could cover the whole side of your house. 

Let us know if you have further questions. 

Emily

Wonderful - thank you so much!  

On Mon, Apr 22, 2024 at 2:19 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied April 29, 2024, 7:53 AM EDT

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