As with all plants, a little research is necessary to decide which vine to choose for your growing needs, and where and how to plant the selection. Vines grown in cooler northern areas may not be adapted to warmer regions. Conversely, many tropical or subtropical vines will not survive the winters of the north.

Choose a vine according to the function it will play in your landscape. Do you want the vine to be used as a screen or to soften the look of a dividing wall? Do you want the vine to show color or attract hummingbirds and butterflies? A thing you should also consider is planting one or more vines together so that when one finishes blooming, another begins, creating a tapestry of foliage and flowers.

Many vines, such as Cross Vine and Trumpet Creeper, will grow as tall as their support will allow so you must think of the kind of support you want. If you choose a trellis, remember the height of this support determines where the most foliage and flowers will occur. Often vines are sparse near the ground and the greatest concentration is near the top growth. The chosen trellis or other support should be placed several inches away from walls. This placement allows air movement between wall and vine reducing the possibility of mold and mildew to grow on the surfaces. Vines should be kept off of roof shingles and siding to avoid any damage to buildings.

Where a plant is located in a landscape will influence how well it will tolerate cold temperatures. Tender species of vines can be planted on the south and east sides of buildings protected from cold northwestern winds. Vines planted in protected areas are more likely to survive than if planted in exposed locations. The amount of sunlight required by vines varies, but most vines grow and flower best in full sunlight to partial shade. Other site characteristics such as salt spray, water drainage and soil type also help determine the type of vine is best for your landscape. Poor soil drainage causes the roots of some vines to decay while others are adapted to wet areas.

Vines grow best in a slightly acid, loose, well-drained soil. When conditions differ from this, select vines which are adapted rather than changing soil conditions to suit a particular type of vine.

Vines are planted in the same manner as other plants. Vines should be mulched with preferably organic material. Mulches insulate the soil and roots, conserve moisture and help control weeds.

The success or failure of a planting often depends on whether the plants receive adequate moisture. Vines require months of being watered frequently to enable them to extend their roots firmly into the surrounding soil and get more established.