There’s no denying the visual impact that flowering vines bring when they adorn various structures, creating a scenic and romantic atmosphere. In landscaping projects, we can introduce arbors and pergolas, which not only enhance the garden’s design but also provide proper support for vines to flourish.
Pergolas or Arbors?
The fundamental distinction between arbors and pergolas lies in their landscaping and architectural use. Arbors, for instance, are standalone structures designed to support vines. Their purpose is exclusively for landscaping.
On the other hand, pergolas are always attached to buildings, often becoming extensions of them. Like arbors, pergolas provide suitable support for large woody vines. Regardless of conceptual differences, both arbors and pergolas deserve to be adorned by beautiful vines. Choose your favorite species from the list below, plant your vine directly in the ground, and create a delightful leisure space for conversations, hanging a hammock, enjoying breakfast, or even reading a good book. They’re equally fitting for streets and parks, serving as both shelter and functional embellishment along pathways.
12 Tropical Vine Species
Vine plants require support to thrive, generally being easy to cultivate and low-maintenance. Here, we suggest 12 tropical vine species that work well on both arbors and pergolas:
Cuspidaria – Cuspidaria floribunda
This highly floriferous vine produces light pink, tubular flowers in spring, arranged beautifully in clusters. It’s a robust species, perfect for adding color and texture to your pergola or arbor.
Cat’s Claw – Dolichandra unguis-cati
Featuring vibrant yellow blossoms, the Cat’s Claw vine is hardy and thrives in both full sun and partial shade. It remains relatively underexplored in landscaping, adding uniqueness to gardens.
Red Creeper – Fridericia speciosa
Another rarity, the Red Creeper, also known as Cigana-do-mato, is a Brazilian species with great potential for covering structures as it grows. It boasts oval, vibrant green leaves and terminal inflorescence ranging from strong pink to red, offering high ornamental value.
Flame Vine – Pyrostegia venusta
The Flame Vine offers an option for those who appreciate adorning their environment with bright orange flowers. Blooming in winter, its vines spread rapidly over fences, pergolas, and arbors. It’s also renowned for its medicinal properties.
Garlic Vine – Mansoa alliacea
The Garlic Vine, while vigorous, grows at a moderate pace, making it ideal for lighter and delicate structures like pergolas. Its lilac flowers gradually transition to lighter shades, from pink to white, adding to its allure.
Bougainvillea – Bougainvillea spectabilis or B. glabra
Bougainvillea, a beloved native vine in Brazil, is commonly found along the country’s streets. Its woody, thorny stems bear clusters of flowers in white, pink, yellow, orange, and red. Regular pruning and growth control are needed for optimal flowering.
Passion Fruit – Passiflora edulis
The Passion Fruit vine is native to southeastern Brazil. Apart from its well-known sweet-tart fruit, it boasts lush foliage, tendrils for support, and distinctive white flowers with a purple center. Imagine a pergola adorned with beautiful passion fruit flowers and fruits.
Prayer Plant – Pereskia aculeata
Lately, much attention has been given to the high nutritional value of the Prayer Plant, often neglecting its ornamental beauty. Its daisy-like flowers exude a delightful lemon fragrance. This vine combines aesthetics with functionality in garden design.
Yellow Bell – Allamanda cathartica
A quintessential “grandmother’s plant,” the Yellow Bell vine is perfect for those seeking abundant and long-lasting flowering. Its yellow-gold flowers bloom nearly year-round, accompanied by glossy green foliage. Caution: it’s toxic, so keep it away from children and pets.
Purple Wreath – Petrea volubilis
The Purple Wreath vine is an ornamental climber with abundant lilac flowers that add a touch of romance to arbors and pergolas. Its rapid growth ensures beautiful coverage.
Monkey Brush – Combretum fruticosum
Monkey Brush, a tropical vine, offers decorative and beautiful flowering. Its rapid growth provides satisfying coverage, shading, and adorning pergolas and arbors. In summer, vibrant orange inflorescences resembling brushes appear.
Dutchman’s Pipe – Aristolochia gigantea
The Dutchman’s Pipe is a curious vine with unique flowers. Native to Bahia, Brazil, it rapidly covers supports. Its massive flowers resemble a turkey’s neck, hence the name. Despite emitting a mild odor, the plant’s fascinating intertwined stems add interest.
Stunning and Covered Structures
Just by observing these 12 species, we can grasp the richness of Brazil’s flora, boasting unique species that can enhance landscaping endeavors. Steel wires can aid these vines in reaching specific locations and shapes swiftly, while also offering support. Be inspired to craft incredible pergolas and arbors using native species.
