Yet another climbing "hydrangea" is Decumaria barbara, native from Virginia to Florida and Louisiana; hardy to USDA zone 6. The flowers aren't as large as the aforementioned vines (two to four inches (5 - 10 cm), but are said to be honey-scented in late spring. It does best in moist situations, in rich, acid soil from full shade to full sun. According to some sources, this vine must climb to set flowers.
A Native To Love And Hate
Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Virginia creeper (also called woodbine), one of about fifteen species in this genus belonging to the family Vitaceae, is native to the US. Found all through the North East, from New England to Florida and west to Missouri and Mexico, it is rated hardy from USDA zones 3 or 4 to 9.
It is fairly much of a weed in my garden, although I allow it to stay where it doesn't get on my nerves. It climbs trees and joins other groundcovers in shady places. It will grow just about anywhere, sun or shade, and in any soil (as long as it drains well); it tolerates pollution, wind and salt. When it trespasses, I yank it out or hack it back; it's difficult to kill it. Seedlings pop up everywhere, as the bluish black, bloomy berries, ripening in September and October, are relished by birds. You don't see the berries until the leaves have fallen, if the birds haven't eaten them first. Flowers are totally insignificant and seldom noticed.
This is one plant that my local herd of deer do not devour; yours may avoid it, too. It is not a plant for the totally tidy minded with small space, but if it's native to your area, you might as well enjoy it and let grow where it's not in the way.
New growth is really quite lovely, the stems having a translucent red color that harmonizes with the reddish color of the new leaves. Mature leaves are dark green. Fall is when it really comes into its own, turning brilliant shades of red and orange. It's one of the first to turn color, in my area, along with Rhus radicans, the dratted poison ivy. Seedlings can be mistaken for poison ivy and sometimes, the vine is called "poison ivy", but it is not poison ivy and does not cause any itching or rashes. However, the berries are toxic, if eaten...so don't eat them.
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