Vine or creeper plant - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Thunbergia fragrans, commonly known as the White Clock Vine or Sweet Clock Vine, is a fast-growing perennial climber native to India and Southeast Asia. It produces twining stems with triangular to heart-shaped leaves and delicate white funnel-shaped flowers with a yellow throat, usually blooming throughout the warm season. This species is often used as a quick cover for fences, trellises, and arbors, where it adds a light and airy appearance to the garden.

Thunbergia fragrans thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil with regular moisture. It is suited for USDA Zones 9-11 and is not frost tolerant. The vine is best grown in warm climates or containers that can be moved indoors during colder months. Protect from frost at all times, as prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40F may damage the plant.

Curious plant with tuber is above ground level covered with layers of corky bark, resembling a caudex. Slow-growing. It is a very unusual succulent. Its main feature is a large, corky caudex that grows up to one meter in habitat, resembling an elephant foot (hence the popular name). The caudex looks as if it is segmented into geometric patterns (smaller plants look like tortoises) and looks dead but is actually a living tuber. A plant with a 18" caudex can be 75 years or older. The plant grows into a vine with attractive heart-shaped leaves and small yellow flowers. Culture is relatively easy. A greenhouse is great, but a windowsill with moderate to full sun works fine, as long as the plant is kept at 65F minimum. The vines may die back and regrow several times a year, depending on the particular plant and your region. Several plants in the same pot can go dormant in different times. Tuber contains saponins, originally cooked and eaten as a famine food by the Hottentots. Slow down water when the tuber is dormant. The plant is is dioecious (male and female flowers are produced on different plants). The 0.2 inches wide (4 mm), greenish-yellow flowers are insignificant. Seeds are the only way to reproduce. The seedlings caudex forms below ground and will grow much faster if left underground for a couple of years. Prefers filtered light, and the caudex must be kept in shade. Elephant Foot is a collectors item, but remarkably easy to grow. It will be with you for years with no effort. It is a wonderful conversation piece!

Growing directions (by Ed Sienkiewicz)

D. elephantipes doesnt send down deep roots, so plant in a shallow pot (I use clay bulb pots) about 1" larger than the diameter than the caudex. Potting soil should be very porous/loose so that there is easy drainage. Think about the area in which they grow natively. Remember that these plants are tropical DESERT plants. The soil should be very loose and drain very freely. Allow the soil to come up and slightly over the edge of the caudex 1/4"- 1/2" so that the edges are covered. Water well around the edges, being sure not to get water into the point from which the vine will grow (usually there some pieces of old vine in the growing area). Keep in a warm area and wait for the first shoots of the vine to appear. Water regularly from that point on. Use dilute (25 percent of normal) fertilizer with each watering. The plant should not be kept damp as with other tropical plants. Allow it to *almost* dry before watering again. The plant has natural dormancy period. That being said, however, my experience is that the plant will go dormant when *IT* wants to. If the vine begins to yellow and die back, limit the water and stop the fertilizer. If the vine dries up cease all water and move to a cool place for a couple of weeks. Return to a sunny area and wait for the vine to sprout again. NOTE: Many books will say that they are winter growers, because they are native to the southern hemisphere. In my experience they are opportunistic growers. I have had them grow in all seasons. I have had plants that went dormant for a couple of weeks and others who were dormant for months. Let the plant be your guide. You cannot force them to grow, and over watering will simply cause them to rot. The Dioscorea elephantipes caudex is similar to Dioscorea mexicana, but the individual "squares" are far more pointed/raised. Related species - Dioscorea macrostachya (Mexico).

Sinofranchetia chinensis is a vigorous, hardy, deciduous Climber growing to 15 m. Small, white flowers are produced in May followed by bunches of hanging, purple fruits in October. Attractive garden plant for trellises, arbors or against walls.

Actinidia chinensis is a vigorous deciduous climbing vine native to central and southern China. When supported by a trellis, arbor, or fence, it can stretch to about 30 feet, covering the structure with a lush canopy of broad, heart-shaped leaves. In warm months the vine grows quickly, often filling its allotted space within two or three seasons.

The plant thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost, although a touch of afternoon shade is welcome in hot climates. Consistent moisture throughout summer is essential, as dry spells can noticeably reduce both fruit size and quality. In late spring, creamy-white to pale yellow flowers open, usually on separate male and female plants. Female vines that receive good pollination produce the familiar fuzzy brown fruits by late autumn. Depending on the variety and ripeness, the fruit may be tangy, sweet-tart, or mellow in flavor, with sweetness varying widely.

The first domesticated form of kiwifruit was Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa, also treated in the literature as Actinidia deliciosa. This green, fuzzy kiwifruit originates from central southern China, where it grows naturally at elevations of 800 to 1,400 m. It became the first kiwifruit vine to enter large-scale commercial cultivation and remains the foundation of the traditional green kiwifruit market. The golden-fleshed cultivar Actinidia chinensis 'Sun Gold', often seen in markets, is notably sweeter and less tangy than many other selections.

While best suited to USDA Zones 8 9, it can be grown in sheltered spots in Zone 7 with winter and late frost protection. Young shoots are sensitive to cold snaps in spring. The vine can also be managed in a large container with regular pruning and a compact trellis, though this demands attentive watering and feeding. Fruits are enjoyed fresh, blended into drinks, or preserved as jam.

Holmskioldia sanguinea, or Chinese hat, is a large shrub that can grow from 5-10 ft tall. It is native to the Himalaya region and is a vigorous vine or creeper. It prefers full sun, but can tolerate semi-shade. The plant's soil should be kept moist and it will reward you with stunning red, crimson and vinous flowers, that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. There are also yellow- and bronze-flowered forms.

Mature plant cold hardy to at least 30°F for a short time and is also salt tolerant, making it suitable for growing in seaside gardens in USDA Zones 9-11.

For cold regions, Chinese hat can be grown in a pot that can be moved indoors when temperatures drop. Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Prune after flowering to keep the plant growth under control.

In its natural habitat, Afgekia sericea is a large shrub, usually about 5-10 feet tall but occasionally reaching up to 20 feet in height. It also has an interesting vining or creeper shape, with its stems reaching out and spreading across the ground. This plant's foliage adds an interesting touch to any garden, with its rich green leaves and stems that are covered in small hairs, giving it its silky, soft appearance.

The flowers of this plant are what truly make it stand out, blooming from late summer to early autumn in either pink or yellow and orange hues. Pink flowers are produced in greater numbers, but if given enough sunny exposure, yellow and orange buds can also make an appearance.

Afgekia sericea is quite easy to grow and care for, as long as its given the right exposure and moisture. While this plant can tolerate both full sun and semi-shade, it will be far more likely to flower in the former. It thrives with moderate water, but can also survive brief dry spells.

In cooler areas, this plant can be grown in a pot or container, although it may need some extra winter protection in regions where temperatures drop below freezing. To do this, it is recommended to move the plant to a sheltered spot in the garden and mulch or layer compost around the base of the pot to protect it from the cold. In the spring, it will be ready to be moved back into the sun.

Afgekia sericea is a great addition to any outdoor space, adding a touch of color and a unique vining shape to the garden. With the right care and attention, this large shrub can be a beautiful addition to any garden for many years to come.