Climbing hydrangea.

Thank you, Mary. It's one I'm considering. I hope to find one that is a little faster growing than usual. Thanks again, Gale

I have a 'Jackmani Superba' clematis growing on the north side of my house, against a trellis, and every year after a hard pruning (to 12 inches) it still manages to climb 10-12 feet and cover itself in velvety violet-purple flowers for a month in June. It's been doing so for 10 years, btw. I love climbing hydrangea but they only come in white. If you want something with more color options than just white, I would definitely experiment with some of the Vicitella and Jackmani hybrid clematis vines (Jackmani, Comtesse de Bouchard, Star of India, Polish Spirit, Ville de Lyon, etc). Very gorgeous, very low-maintenance, yet very delicate and "neat & tidy" vines. Just make sure they have something thin (2" or less in diameter) to climb on, since they climb by their tendril-like leaves.

Victor :)

The advantage to the clematis is it won't leave marks on the porch. Climbing hydrangea has 'Holdfasts' like ivy.

There are indeed many lovely clematis, but I tend to think that indirect albeit "bright" light is not enough for good performance, whereas it definately is for climbing hydrangea.