I'm looking for suggestions on flowering vines that are native to Ohio. I've heard that Japanese honeysuckle is invasive in the area, and I'm trying to confirm that. I also came across the trumpet honeysuckle, which I believe is native. Additionally, I'm curious about mountain mint—can I directly sow it in the ground, or does it spread like regular mint? Also, is it okay to sow seeds near my house's foundation? Lastly, can any of these plants be grown in containers? I'm in Ohio, specifically Zone 6a.
3 Answers
You might want to consider planting Maypop, the passionflower, or Campsis radicans, which is a trumpet vine. Both should do well in Ohio. Virginia creeper is another native option that’s quite common across the state. They can all add great color to your garden!
Oh, and you asked about climbing structures—these vines love to climb, so feel free to give them something to grow on!
I also recommend Major Wheeler (honeysuckle) and Virgin's Bower (clematis). Both are lovely natives! But just be careful with clustered mountain mint—it can be aggressive in smaller spaces, so keep that in mind if you're working with limited garden beds.
Just a heads up, Japanese honeysuckle is indeed very invasive in Ohio. It tends to crowd out native plants pretty effectively, so looking for alternatives is smart. As for mountain mint, while it does spread, it’s more manageable compared to other mints. I grow mine in a garden bed and it hasn't been a problem. And yes, many native plants, including some flowering vines, can thrive in containers, so you’ll have flexibility there!
Thanks for the suggestions! I definitely want something that can climb.