18 Valuable Vines

What keeps gardeners flocking to this annual vine are its pinkish-purple flowers, abundant purple-green foliage, reddish-purple stems and, from late summer on, the purple hyacinth bean's (Lablab purpurea, formerly Dolichos lablab) signature--vibrant-reddish-purple pods. Pair its ornamental value with the fact that the seeds germinate with almost 100% reliability, and you have a perfectly easy-to-grow, fast-growing vine that looks good all summer long. Grows 10 to 20 feet; does best in full sun. May reseed in warm climates. Annual vine.