Q:Β We just installed five viga posts on our back patio. Two of them are where I could plant a vine in the ground; the other three need to be in a pot.Β Height to the patio roof is about 11 feet. Looking for something I can train to grow up and around the post, but the kind that cling. The area gets morning sun until about 11:30 a.m. and then shade the rest of the day. Flowering, thornless and non-deciduous would be ideal. Would also like to find a vine that I might be able to use along our retaining wall, specifically in the sections that have an iron railing between the stucco posts. This would be full sun most of the day and the height of the iron fence is about 6 feet.
Answer:Β My first thought is star jasmine because I have it growing at my house and itβs flowering now. It does well in part shade and produces very fragrant flowers in the spring. For the retaining wall, you might consider catβs claw. This vine loves full sun and will cover a sturdy wall. These are fast growing and need to be managed but most vines are that way to some extent. There are other vines to choose from; search for options atΒ az1606.pdf
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed to
