Here are a few fast-growing annual vines :
Sweet pea ( Lathyrus odorata )
1 – 2 m . Intense spicy scent . Many colours . Likes rich soil and cool , moist conditions ( so use mulch ). Tolerates some shade , especially in the afternoon and in warmer climates . Climbs by tendrils , so use a mesh , trellis , or other closely spaced support . Seed outdoors after the danger of frost has passed .
Morning glory and relatives ( Ipomoea sp .)
3 – 10 m , depending on variety and growing conditions . Most bloom in the morning , and pure white moonflower ( I . alba ) opens late in the day . Full sun . All seeds have tough coats , so soak seeds overnight in warm water to soften and speed germination . Start indoors 8 weeks before last frost .
Scarlet runner bean ( Phaseolus coccineus )
4.5 m . Edible bean grown mainly as an ornamental for its scarlet flowers and buff- to red-mottled black seed pods and heartshaped emerald green leaves . Full sun . Seed outdoors after the danger of frost has passed .
Canary bird vine ( Tropaeolum peregrinum )
3 – 4.5 m . Beautiful frilled and fringed canary-yellow flowers . Seed outdoors after the danger of frost has passed .
Cup-and-saucer vine ( Cobaea scandens )
4.5 – 7.6 m . 5-cm flowers resemble a fluted cup in saucer-like calyx . Flowers start pale green and turn lilac or purple ; ‘ Alba ’ is a white variety . Mature flowers exude a faint honey scent . Full sun . Start indoors 8 weeks before last frost .
Scarlet climber or cypress vine ( Ipomoea quamoclit )
6 m . Smaller flowers than cousin cardinal climber ( Ipomoea multifida ) and with deeply cut , ferny leaves . Start indoors 4 – 6 weeks before last frost .
Black-eyed Susan ( Thunbergia alata )
2 m . Orange , yellow , cream-white , or rose-coloured blooms with dark centres . Full sun or part shade . Start indoors 8 weeks before last frost .
SPRING 2025 | 17