They can make a scene look tropical even when it is in a decidedly colder or drier clime, or they can take on the character of an Oxford ivy, grapes, or wisteria and provide some old world grace.

It is common for them to have a slow start, languishing for a year or more before coming into their own.  I was told a story about a particularly recalcitrant wisteria that had provided only foliage for 14 years.  When it came time to tent the house for termites the owner had them cover the wisteria as well.  The following year and every year after that it bloomed like mad.  I am sure that it didn't care for another dose.

Thought must be given to the temperament of the vine species when choosing one.   Many of them grow almost obscenely fast once they are established.  Others develop a huge amount of weight that must be designed into the support system.  Many of them need seasonal maintenance so access to these behemoths should also be considered.

Akebia quinata * Chocolate vine

Aristolochia littoralis * Dutchman's Pipe

Beaumontia grandiflora * Easter Lily Vine

Clematis armandii * evergreen clematis

Clerodendrum thomsoniae * Bleeding Heart Vine

Distictis rivers * Trumpet Vine

Dolichos lablab * Hyacinth Bean

Hibbertia scandens * Guinea Gold Vine

Hoya carnosa * Wax Vine

Mandevilla 'Alice Du Pont'

Mandevilla suaveolens (M. laxa)

Passiflora 'Constance Elliot' * Passion Vine

Passiflora 'Coral Sea' * Passion Vine

Passiflora edulis * Passion Fruit

Passiflora 'Lavender Lady' * Passion Vine

Petrea volubilis * Sandpaper Vine

Podranea ricasoliana * Port St. John's Creeper

Pyrostegia venusta * Flame Vine

Solandra maxima * Cup of Gold Vine

Solanum jasminoides * Potato Vine

Thunbergia alata * Black eyed Susan Vine

Thunbergia grandiflora * Blue Sky Flower

Thunbergia gregorii * Orange Clock Vine

Wisteria sinensis alba* Chinese Wisteria

Wisteria sinensis Blue * Chinese Wisteria