Super fast growing, non-toxic vine?

[Kristina]

I am looking for a vine to plant over sections of lattice to create shady areas in a couple of my tort pens. I want something that will be hardy to zone 7, grow quite fast and be able to tolerate full sun on the top side. Any clues?

I suppose if I can't find anything, I will just use shade cloth, but I would much rather go the "green" route!

I am going to build little lattice roofs that are 2-3 foot tall - so it won't have to grow fast enough to cover a 6 foot arbor or trellis, but I would like to have it come in fairly quickly, and come back fairly quickly next year. Nice cool and cozy little bowers for my Boxie and possibly a couple of Refoots!

As I am typing this, lol, I am starting to think I am a goof and I should just look and see if I can find any fast growing grape vines.

At any rate, if anyone has any ideas, I would love to hear them!

 

[dmmj]

I would reccomend a grape vine, mine grows like a weed every year, and it provides plenty of food for your torts.

 

[t_mclellan]

Muscadine or Passiflora.

 

[Kristina]

Thanks - now that I posted, I am really starting to think grape is going to be the best option. I can keep it pruned to keep it under control.

Do you know what variety yours is? I'm stumped on that aspect.

I will check out the Muscadine and Passiflora, also!!!

 

[dmmj]

I actually have 3 grape vines now, thompson seedless, concord grape(purple) and the red variety I believe.

 

[Kristina]

Thanks! I am looking at Pink Resilient at the moment...

 

[Itort]

In your area I would suggest concord or fox grapes. They grow wild in Michigan and are hardy to zone 4. Also honeysuckle is good. Why zone 7 as you are zone 4 or 5 ?

 

[Kristina]

Thanks!! I might see if someone has some concords that they will allow me to just dig some up, lol.

 

[moswen]

i'm sorry kristina if i'm stealing your post, someone slap my wrists if i am, but i really just have one quick question: is it okay to plant your grape vine in such close proximity to your tort enclosure? since the grapes could fall off and into the pen? (i am curious bc i have a grape vine too that i was planning on planting far far away from them!)

 

[Kristina]

I would worry more about it, but the pen is for Boxies and Redfoots, (two SEPARATE pens, one lattice roof extending over both) which are okay with having a bit more fruit than say a Sulcata or Russian.

Also, I can clip some of the bunches off before they are ripe, that will not only make the bunches left grow bigger/better, but that way they never get to the ripe stage of falling in the pen The leaves are very good for them to eat.

---

Also - don't worry about hi-jacking. It was a good question

 

[jackrat]

I like luffa gourds.

 

[Kristina]

Hmmm, really? Are you serious or pulling my leg?

LOL

 

[jackrat]

No,I'm serious.They grow really fast, makes a pretty vine that climbs like crazy. Plus you'll get some nice luffahs for the shower.

 

[Kristina]

I've grown them before in the garden, years ago, but never considered that application - I'll keep that in mind too.

I'm not gonna have room for all the stuff I want to do *grumbles*

 

[dmmj]

We never have enough room to do what we want,.