I am new to this sight. I'v been gardening for about 5 yrs, almost all vegetables. I now want to plant a Vine that will flower along a 5 ft. high cedar fence that surrounds my back yard. Mostly sunny area. I have three kids and a dog so I need something that isn't too sensitive. I also live in the Chicago area. Any suggestions?
THANKS!

Maybe an orange trumpet vine?

Bunny,

Do you want an annual or a perennial?

What do you like, big flowers, fragrance, attact birds and or butterflies, Do you want more than one? If it's a perennial some times they only bloom once a year......
How 'bout a couple of them??

Let me know what your pererferences are...
I'll send lot's of info.

Weezie

Hi Weezie,
I would like flowers that bloom either throughout the summer or late summer. I would also like them to attract butterflies. I'm concerned about the orange trumpet vine because I was told they are really hard to control. I like the way they look but I know someone that lost control of one and it caused damage to the roof of her house! Fast grower, slow grower I don't care I've got plenty of time. Thanks for your help.
--Bunny

Bunny, I"m working on a list for you!!

Questions?

Annuls or perennials or a mix of both.
(If I suggest one, it's may only produce flowers once a year)

Also, do you have something besides the fence to crawl on like a little trellis of some sort?

Catchya soon!!
Weezie

Hi Weezie,
I would like a perennial. I don't have anything else for a vine to grow on other than my fence. I am willing and able to attach something to my fence for the vine to grow on or attach to. Thank you again for your help.
--Bunny

Bunny,
Why I asked about the annuals or perennials is because sometimes when you have just one perennial it only flowers once a year. So, maybe if you plant one or two annual vines side of it, it may just give you the color you nee to attract butterflies...
My first thoughts though for attracting them is you really can't use pesticides...... it will kill the butterflies and catipillars...

They like warm area's like a big rock and no wind (sheltered) and they like water and or mud so they need access to water!!!!!!!!! I take a sauce for the bottom of a pot and fill it with some round dark~river rock from like a dollar store or something. Should be dark stones to attract heat while they are drinking....
Also, you should provide an area for them to "hide" in so to speak......
And you should provide an area where they can do their cystalist thing and for the catapillars to eat!!!
Here's some sites for you...........
http://www.howtoattractbirds.com/
Good reading on this one!!!!!!!!
http://www.greendealer-exotic-seeds.com/seeds/HowtoButterflies.html

this one has plant names and which butterfly would be attracted by what...... http://www.perennials.com/butterflies.html

This one's from right here at this site.... http://www.thegardenhelper.com/Butterflies.htm

Here's one with some vines on it.....
*note* when it says doesn't care what type of soil, and it says either, they are very tenatous......For wisteria you need a very, very sturdy thing to hold it up!!!!!!

I'm going to get to bed it's been a very long day,
There's lots of good reading there.....read it over and tomorrow I'll send more....

Here's one more on your trumpet vines...... http://plantsdatabase.com/go/644/

Will send more info tomorrow!!!!!
Happy reading!!!!!!!!!
Weezie

Hi Weezie,
I went shopping over the weekend and picked up two Nellie Moser Clematis vines. (Expensive $70 each!) They grow to 15 feet and flower in the spring and again in the fall! So I need to know pruning for these. I know if they flower just once the plant should be cut down to the ground and they'll grow back the following year. I am confused about this kind though. I haven't checked out the web sights you've suggested but will do that when I'm done typing this. I hope your having a great day!

--Bunny

Bunny,
I have been sooooo busy, I felt bad that I haven't gotten more info to you.....
I was looking up all the vines that the butterflies like but alot are....say....time consuming and or can get a little out of hand..... If you're not on them, the one you had heard about the Trumpet Vine can be a bit vigorous.......
With 3 kids and a dog you've got your hands full..
Nelly Moserr Clematis is actually my all time favorite (I think they are so cute!!!)
My mother has one but unfortunately our neighbor gets to enjoy it more than we do... the direction on the sun directly above and slightly behind the fence the clematis goes to the other side to bloom.... It's really big, and BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!! And the neighbor agrees!!!

Nelly Moser Clematis http://www.clematis.com.pl/wms/wmsg.php/321.html&plant_number=239
(more info for growing clematis on bottom of the page as well!!!!!!!)
http://www.icangarden.com/forum.cfm?task=viewthread&chatthreadid=6342
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1247.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/193.shtml


Bunny, alot of good reading on these and each one has a little different trick to growing them....
Happy Reading, let me know if you need more.

Happy Gardening!!!

Think of some annuals also, that'll help too.
Send pictures!!!
I would love to see them in bloom!!!
Weezie

Thanks Weezie for your help. I have a lot of plans in my head that I want to do in my yard but can't do them all due to time and money. I too am busy, so don't worry about getting my information. I appreciate the wealth of information on the internent. I am happy to say my Nelly Moser appear to be taking in my yard! Curling around the fencing. It already had several very large beautiful flowers on it when I brought it home that my wife just loved! I will send you pictures in the future when it looks its best! (not it's worst!) Thanks again weezie.
--Bunny

I enjoy looking up the info!!!!!!!!
That helps me keep my brain functioning other than What color is that? Chin, nose,
Blues Clues, and Seseame Street.... there's only just so much of a conversationalist that a 2 year old is......................
Spring is a tough time of year... I wish there were 72 hours to a day.....I think my new icon button that Bill gave us suits me to a "T"!!!!! Going in 30 different directions aat the same time.
That's me!!!!!!!!! :eek But like I said it keeps my mind active and I love flowers and I love to read!! Winter I will Love this site!!!!!!!!! I am always looking for info and something to do (constructive)in the winter. If I get a green house, I don't know!!! I may just disappear!!!!!!!!
But like I said, I enjoy looking up the stuff. Glad to help!!!!!!!!
Happy Gardening!!!!