Evergreen Vines Add Privacy and Soften Edges

20.09.2024 - 17:39 / finegardening.com

Mystery and romance are two words that come to mind when thinking of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. It’s mysterious in that its existence is only known through descriptions in ancient Roman and Greek documents; to date, no physical archeological evidence has been uncovered. In fact, the exact location of this fabled ancient feat of engineering is uncertain. It is believed to have been built by the Neo-Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II for his wife, Queen Amytis, because she longed for the verdant, mountainous landscapes of her homeland—a romantic gesture indeed. The gardens were fabled to be lushly planted with species of her native landscape as well as trees and shrubs from faraway lands. Dripping vines were utilized to mask and soften the edges of the massive structural walls. In modern days, newly conceived landscapes often lack a sense of mystery, romance, and antiquity. Fast growing and adaptable in their functionality, evergreen vines can create gardens that feel mysterious, romantic, and mature beyond their age.

Clematis armandii, Zones 7–9

Though it’s not widely known, evergreen clematis is a plant collector’s delight. Reaching heights of up to 30 feet, this vigorous self-twining plant has many outstanding ornamental characteristics. The foliage has a tropical appearance, which is a departure from most specimens within this genus. Elongated 5- to 7-inch-long leaflets are arranged in groupings of 3; each leaflet is leathery and dark green with a glossy sheen. Sweetly scented, three-inch white blooms emit notes of vanilla. Pruning should be delayed until after the spectacular floral display in late spring, when blooming occurs on the previous year’s growth. Flower buds will continue to develop and emerge for up to