There are many types of vines that are of use as ornamentals in the home landscape. Depending on your USDA Hardiness Zone, many or all of the following may be available for your use.

True climbing vines use several mechanisms for moving up whatever is supporting them. Many twine which is when the stem circles around and around the trellis, wire or other support. Others have tendrils which are modified stem segments that wrap around the support as the plant moves upward. Clinging vines usually have aerial roots which move into tiny cracks and crevices in the support and hold on. These types will climb up a brick wall.

Perhaps the most commonly used ornamental vine, Clematis, climbs with the help of their leaf stalks (pedicels). These adaptations twist themselves around the support unit which needs to be rather narrow such as wire or very thin trellis work. They do not climb up brick walls or solid wooden fences.

Note: All of the vines except those designated as "Annual" are perennial. A "Perennial" designation in the Foliage column indicates a plant that dies to the ground in the fall and comes up again from the root stock the following spring. It does not form a woody stem like those called "Evergreen" or "Deciduous".