Quick Vines
Morning glories (Ipomoea nil, purpurea, and others) are an easy and quick choice to cover fences, arbors and trellises. 'Grandpa Otts' is available from seed and matures into flowering size just a few weeks after planting. They usually bloom until the onset of cooler weather. Moon vines are related, and bloom at night offering delicious fragrance and attracting moths to the garden.
Morning glory (Ipomoea species and crosses)
Coral vine (Antigonon leptopus) is also known as "Heavenly Vine" and has attractive heart-shaped foliage with an abundance of coral colored heart-like flowers that gracefully drape the fast growing vines. They also have tendrils that reach out and attach themselves to structures or other plants. Coral vine is perennial in the southern half of Texas and develops a sweet potato-like tuber before freezing back in late fall.
Mexican Coral vine (Antigonon leptopus)
Hyacinth bean (Dolichos lablab) is another heirloom favorite for quick vine coverage. Start with beans and expect rapid growth and a shower of purple flowers by fall. The beans are a beautiful dark purple fruit that ripens in late fall. Hyacinth bean was a favorite of Thomas Jefferson at his beautiful home, Monticello, near Charlottesville, VA. They thrive in every part of Texas. They are annuals in our climate.
Dolichos lablab