Question
I live in the California's Sacramento Valley. I am looking for the fastest growing twining vine I can get that will grow in my climate.  I was thinking of a silver lace vine.  I have never seen it in local nurseries, and was wondering if it would survive the hot dry summers.  Do you think the silver lace is a good choice for what I want, or is there a better choice that you know of?

Answer
Hi James,
Thanx for your question.  Supposedly, silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii) is very drought and heat tolerant although it is rated as hardy from Zones 4-8.  I'm not sure where you are in the Sacramento Valley but I do know that area can get very hot in the summertime.  I don't think that will be an issue for the vine although it might benefit from some shade from the afternoon sun.  My guess though is it is pretty hardy and I would go ahead and give it a try.  I noticed the University of California Extension rated it as useful as a ground cover.  I hope this helps.
Tom