Climbing Ivy With Seed Pods

Varieties

• Several annual vines produce seed pods. Try balloon flowers, scarlet runner beans or hyacinth bean vines for ivy-like vines that produce pods. Five-leaf akebia is a perennial vine that produces small purple flowers followed by occasional fleshy pods.

True Ivy

• Although ivy plants do not produce pods, they have many other attributes that make them fine landscaping plants. English ivy is an evergreen plant ideal for partial shade, while Boston ivy is a hardy deciduous vine related to Virginia creeper. It produces large, lobed leaves that turn brilliant red or purple in the fall. Both plants scramble over walls and up structures via aerial rootlets.

Growing Conditions

• When selecting ivy-like vines, choose those that are well-suited to your region. Most flowering vines prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Ivy may become invasive in mild, humid regions. Prune it back to control it and don't grow it near a natural area where it could escape. Ivy has been known to smoother native vegetation, reducing plant diversity and food sources for animals.

Cautions

• Many vines, including ivy, have fruit or seeds that are toxic. Bittersweet and morning glory both produce poisonous berries or seeds. Avoid planting toxic vines where children or pets have access to them.