Ampelopsis brevipedunculata ‘Elegans’ – A self-clinging deciduous vine with highly attractive deep green leaves, heavily mottled with white and pink (especially new growth). This variegated form of Porcelain Vine prefers part to full sun and also features contrasting rose-pink petioles. Turquoise, lilac purple and steel blue berries appear in fall. Grows 12-15′ high. Zone 5.
Actinidia kolomikta – Variegated kiwi vine is deciduous and has separate male and female plants, with the males (try ‘Arctic Beauty’) having the best pink and white foliage variegation, which may take several years to show up. The females produce smooth green edible fruits about the size of large grapes. This hardy fruiting kiwi (zone 4) may also attract cats. Grows to 15′ tall.
Hedera colchica ‘Dentata Variegata’ – This evergreen vine is somewhat similar in appearance to Hedera canariensis ‘Gloire de Marengo’ but is much hardier. It features glossy deep green leaves with some pale green patches and creamy-white to yellowish margins. This RHS Award of Garden Merit winner is a good vine for shade or sun exposures. Grows 15′ high. Zone 6.
Actinidia polygama – A sometimes hard to find fruiting kiwi species native to Japan. Silver Vine features distinctly white-tipped dark green foliage and prefers an exposure of partial shade to full sun. There are separate male (‘Pavel’) and female (‘Vera’s Pride’) plants, with the females producing small 1″ long edible orange fruit. May also attract cats. Grows 15″ high. Zone 5.
x Fatshedera lizei ‘Annemieke’ (syn. ‘Lemon & Lime’) – A bigeneric cross of Fatsia japonica and Hedera helix which is essentially a climbing evergreen shrub which requires support. The 8″ wide leaves are a variable glossy green with gold and lime highlights. This is an excellent short vine choice for deep to part shade, although it does require some shelter. Grows 4-6′ tall. 7.
Mike's Garden Top 5 Plants 