[Busy Bee]

I am looking to cover a pergola with some type of flowering vines.I am thinking of letting 2 wisterias cover a roof span of 28x12 and semi enclosing the sides with some type of clemtis.Any advice?

[Greensmith]

Clematis probably won't get tall enough, most top out around 15'. Wisteria and maybe climbing hydrangrea would be a better bet. Is this in sun or shade?

Actually come to think of it Clematis Paniculata would be fairly decent. Nice late season flowers and great smell... 30' or so long

[Busy Bee]

The pergola in on the southern side and is exposed to full sun.I was thinking of using the clemtis for railing high coverage with breaks in the openings around 10 to 12 feet,keeping the clemtis low and enjoyable but will need some kind of heavy coverage for the top of the pergola as the summer heat makes the deck unbearably hot and radiants excessive heat.There are two breaks in the railing but the top will span the whole distance of 28 feet long and 12 feet wide sitting at around 8 feet high.Are the plants you recommended fast growing but not too invasive?

[Busy Bee]

Someone had told me to use Dutchman's pipe for a covering.Any thoughts.

[trees]

Don't do Wisteria, it will crush the structure with time. I'd look at some other great vines, like Crossvine, Boston Ivy, Red Honeysuckle (non-invasive form), Carolina Jessamine (maybe not hardy there?), Aristolochia (Dutchman's Pipe) is okay, but maybe a little coarse, Clematis paniculata, other Clematis, etc. Do a combination of these for a "vine mosaic". Let them grow together and duke it out. This will give you interest throughout the year with different bloom times, fall color, etc.

[Busy Bee]

ARE THE VINES THAT YOU'RE RECOMMENDING PERRENIALS? I DON'T WANT THE HASSLE OF REPLANTING EVERY YEAR.

[familyguy]

Campsis is a good choice. (Trumpet vine)
Honeysuckle gets powdery mildew unless you spray aggresively. Boston Ivy is ok but I would suggest Clemetis 'Montana Rubens' early pink flower. Beutiful, dark new growth off main vines.

Paniculata gets very thick over time with old growth. Makes cleaning it out difficult and eventually only looks unattractive in my opinion.

Grape vines are a good choice for dual use. Good cover and usable fruit.

My number 1 favorite of any full sun vines like these would be the clematis 'montana rubens'. Just so amazing in full bloom after a few short years.