Vines for Vibrant Summer Color: Your Complete Guide to 19 Fantastic Options
Are you looking to add some vertical interest with stunning summer color to your garden? If so, vines may be the perfect solution for you! These unique plants climb and twine their way up structures like arbors, fences, and porches, adding a touch of brightness and beauty to your outdoor space.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, vines also attract important pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Some varieties are even resistant to herbivores like deer and rabbits. Plus, many vines can thrive in containers, making them suitable for any climate.
If you’re ready to bring some excitement to your patio, pergola, or porch this summer, then join me as we explore 19 of the best vines for vibrant summer color!
19 Best Summer-Flowering Vines
- Bittersweet
- Bleeding Heart Vine
- Bougainvillea
- Cathedral Bells
- Clematis
- False Hydrangea
- Honeysuckle
- Jasmine
- Kiwi
- Mandevilla
- Morning Glory
- Passionflower
- Potato Vine
- Purple Bell Vine
- Silver Fleeceflower
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Star Jasmine
- Trumpet Vine
- Yellow Butterfly Vine
1. Bittersweet
American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) is a high-climbing perennial known for its long season of interest. It features bright orange berries that provide food for birds and wildlife. Make sure to choose American bittersweet to avoid the invasive Oriental variety.
2. Bleeding Heart Vine
Originating from west Africa, the bleeding heart vine (Clerodendrum thomsoniae) produces stunning clusters of bell-shaped flowers with white calyxes and red accents. This vine thrives in partial shade and moist soil.
3. Bougainvillea
The bougainvillea is a flamboyant climber that thrives in sunny locations. With colorful bracts in shades of cherry, fuchsia, and orange, this South American native adds a bold statement to any garden.
4. Cathedral Bells
Cathedral bells, or cup and saucer vine (Cobaea scandens), features bell-shaped flowers with ornate sepals. These Mexican natives spread up to 20 feet and attract nectar bats, bees, and butterflies.
5. Clematis
Clematis varieties bloom in various colors and shapes, making them a popular choice for summer color. With a range of sizes and colors, clematis plants can reach up to 30 feet in height.
6. False Hydrangea
Similar to lacecap hydrangeas, false hydrangea vine (Schizophragma hydrangeoides) features large clusters of white or pink flowers. This deciduous climber is suitable for partial to full shade locations.
7. Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle vines (Lonicera spp.) produce fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in various shades. With a height of 10 to 30 feet, these vines are a favorite among hummingbirds and other pollinators.
8. Jasmine
Jasmine vines (Jasminum spp.) produce clouds of fragrant white or pink flowers that are perfect for arbors and trellises. Some varieties are hardy in Zones 7 to 11, making them a popular choice for colorful summer blooms.
9. Kiwi
Variegated kiwi (Actinidia kolomikta) features flamboyant foliage in shades of cream and pink. This twining climber produces apple-like blossoms and grows up to 20 feet in a sunny location.
10. Mandevilla
Mandevilla vines are fast-growing and loaded with trumpet-shaped flowers in vibrant shades. With a height of up to 20 feet, these vines attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
11. Morning Glory
Morning glory vines (Ipomoea tricolor) are fast-growing climbers with large, vibrant flowers. Ideal for a sunny location, these plants flower from early summer to the first frost.
12. Passionflower
Passionflower vines (Passiflora spp.) feature delicate flowers in shades of magenta and purple. These easy-care perennials grow up to eight feet and attract a variety of pollinators.
13. Potato Vine
Potato vine (Solanum laxum) produces clusters of star-shaped flowers in pale lavender, blue, or white. These evergreen perennials climb with twirling tendrils and are perfect for arbors and fences.
14. Purple Bell Vine
Purple bell vine (Rhodochiton atrosanguineus) has pendant, bell-like flowers in dark eggplant purple. Loved by bees and hummingbirds, this Mexican native is hardy in Zones 8 to 10.
15. Silver Fleeceflower
Silver fleeceflower (Fallopia aubertii) features fragrant flowers in drooping panicles. With fast growth and a height of up to 30 feet, this Asian native makes a lovely screen for your garden.
16. Scarlet Runner Bean
Scarlet runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus) are known for their vibrant scarlet flowers and tasty beans. These fast-growing climbers are ideal for a sunny spot with fertile soil.
17. Star Jasmine
Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) produces masses of fragrant flowers in late spring to early summer. Perfect for arbors and privacy screens, these climbers grow up to 20 feet in height.
18. Trumpet Vine
Trumpet vines (Campsis spp.) feature trumpet-shaped flowers in orange, red, or yellow. These vigorous growers are a favorite among hummingbirds and can reach up to 40 feet in height.
19. Yellow Butterfly Vine
Yellow butterfly vine (Mascagnia macroptera) offers clusters of lemon yellow flowers that attract bees and butterflies. With a height of up to 12 feet, this vine is impervious to heat and thrives in full sun locations.
Vibrant Summer Color in Your Garden
By incorporating these vibrant summer-flowering vines into your garden, you can add a touch of color and interest to your outdoor space. Whether you’re looking for fast-growing climbers or fragrant blooms, there’s a vine on this list to suit your needs.
Remember to choose cold-hardy varieties for your region and consider planting frost-tender vines in containers for winter protection. With their fantastic spread and colorful summer blooms, these vines are sure to impress all season long!
And if you’re interested in more gardening tips and information, don’t forget to check out our guides on Boston Ivy, fall-blooming clematis varieties, and Virginia Creeper.
Don’t wait any longer – brighten up your garden with these stunning summer-flowering vines today!
Thank you for taking the time to read our article! Let us know in the comments which of these vibrant summer-flowering vines you’re planning to add to your garden this season.
