Low Growing Vines
- The trailing golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is sometimes called a variegated philodendron and many gardeners know it as a tough houseplant that will tolerate a low-maintenance approach. This low-growing vine will stay close to the ground or window sill. Its young leaves are heart shaped and about 5 inches long. As they mature, the leaves hold their shape but become gigantic; some grow more than 20 inches long. The plant name reflects the golden variegation on the leaves. The pothos is a tropical plant, but it can thrive in low light levels, with dry soil and cool conditions.
- Yellow star jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) is a low-growing vine that will bring a sweet jasmine fragrance to the landscape. The stems of the plant form a dense weave when grown as a ground-cover vine. The glossy-green leaves surround the pinwheel-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of yellow, and white with a yellow center. Yellow star thrives in moderate shade where summers are hot or in full sun where summer are mild. Grown indoors, it needs four hours a day of direct sunlight in winter. It likes rich, well-drained soil.
- Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia) is a low-growing, thorny vine that resembles a shrub. The green, glossy leaves are round or heart-shaped, and the flowers are green. The blooms appear in spring and summer, and are followed by a purple-black berry; the vine attracts birds, bees and butterflies. The plant grows in light shade to full sun but needs consistently moist soil. This deciduous vine has sharp thorns and some gardeners consider it invasive.
- Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) can also be used as a low, ground cover vine. The plant is aggressive and will quickly cover up to 50 feet of landscape, but it's controlled by pruning. The yellow, orange or red flowers bloom from midsummer to late fall in sun to part shade, in well-drained soil with moderate water. The vine attracts birds and bees to the garden.