Some vines are light and airy in appearance, while others are what I call the heavy hitters. In this first of two articles, I'll discuss those that are well-mannered and sturdy enough to take on our sizzling summer heat and still spring back from the occasional winter freeze.

Light, refined, tough

• Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)

This favorite vine of our grandmothers is still a big winner today. Native to the South, the coral honeysuckle does well with a minimum of fuss. A hummingbird favorite, this scentless spring bloomer grows 10 to 15 feet tall and provides a lush crop of orange tubular blossoms during spring, with additional blooms appearing later in the growing season.

The best time to prune is after the spring flush - this will spur new growth and blooms. It can take shade, but blooms best in sun. There is also a yellow version called Sulphurea which is just as hardy as the original.

• Morning glory (Ipomea purpurea) and moon vine (Ipomea alba)

Both these old fashioned heat-loving vines have been featured in gardens since before our grandmothers' time. Morning Glory comes in a variety of colors, but one of the older variants - the deep purple "Grandpa Ott" - is still one of the prettiest.

The related moon vine produces lovely white blossoms that are large and intoxicatingly fragrant. Aptly named, the Moon Vine blooms in the late afternoons and evenings, so it's a great one for a night garden. It works especially well planted near porches and windows, where its luminous blossoms and fragrance can be most appreciated.

Both vines grow from 10 to 20 feet, and benefit from partial shade and regular watering. Soak seeds in water overnight, and then plant these beauties together to get a round-the-clock showing of lovely blooms.

• Star/Confederate jasmine (Trachelospermum jasiminoides)

This tidy-looking vine is anything but delicate. It can take heat, cold, sun, or shade, all while presenting a dense year-round display of dark green leaves. In spring it provides appreciative passersby with lovely displays of highly fragrant, tiny white flowers.

Star jasmine is relatively easy to shape, and despite growing to 20 feet or more, it is not invasive. Fertilize annually and give it regular water. There are several other jasmine varieties available, but this one is my favorite for its utter dependability.

• Mexican flame vine (Senecio confusus)

This vine has become quite popular in recent years with good reason. Fan-shaped orange/yellow blooms appear throughout the growing season, making it quite attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and humans alike. Growing to about 10 feet, it takes full sun to part shade and average water.

• Old man's beard/Texas virgin's bower (Clematis drummondii)

Here's one I never see planted in gardens, but perhaps it should be. This small-leafed native clematis grows to six feet. Small, decorative white flowers are produced from spring through summer, but what really attracts the eye are the masses of feathery plumes growing from seed pods in the fall.

It tends to grow on country fences in this area. They can take heat, sun, and little water. Be aware that this plant comes in both male and female forms. Both flower, but only the female produces the feathery seed pods.

Plant some mannerly vines

If you would like to try your hand at mannerly vines that respond well to local conditions and potentially limited space, give some of the above a try.

Next week, we'll discuss the vines I call the "heavy hitters" - gorgeous plants that are as hardy as heck but have the potential to take over your yard, your house and possibly the planet.