Thanks for the reply. I think I am going to go with the erubescens. And a monster is just what I'm looking for! I've got this multi branched cane that is about 8 feet tall, so plenty of room for climbing and growing. I was actually thinking that because I have more than one branch on this "totem," perhaps I could mix a few different types of Philodendron and train each to its own branch. I'll check out those other species you mentioned. I also like the look of P. verrucosum.

I don't have a clear picture of your intentions, but if you are actually going to allow the plants to cover interior walls, you will have problems with... mold and mildew to say nothing about the actual integrity of the wall. Any wall covered with vines will become moist and this will cause problems. Popular tropical vines that climb include Golden Pathos, philodendrons of numerous species, creeping fig (Ficus), and Monstera. If the environment is humid enough, the vines will even climb the walls and attach themselves to it with their tendrils. I once had a Philodendron start doing this on its own w.o. any encouragement from me. But to actually encourage them to do this is asking for trouble if you ask me.

Quite a bit, Susan, though the amount varies with the time of year. The one Dainty Bess I have in shade is planted in a galvanized washtub beneath a Sweet Gum. Oriental lilies and cleomes grow up around the tub and shade her even more this time of year. It has to be mostly dappled light right now. But early in the season she gets more sun before things grow up around her and also before her tree leafs out -- while she is deciding whether or not to grow any new canes. If I keep her deadheaded she is almost always in bloom or making new buds, perhaps not as floriferous as the plant in full sun but more than good enough for me. I just love this rose. (So do the Japanese Beetles. Of course.) You could tuck her in anywhere and everywhere! Here is my sunny one in really icky soil. She still has her tomato cage from last year when I was trying to protect her from deer. Not a 100% sure but I don't think a stake or trellis for this rose is necessary.

Where in Austin are you, Or what kind of soil do you have. Confederate jasmine and cross vine are excellent choices. virginia creeper is another wall grabber. I can't stand english ivy. It can be so invasive here. So can virginia creeper, but at least it is a native. Coral Honey suckle is a good one too. passion flowers are good. if it is a protected area and you are in central Austin and you feel like gambling a little, I just love the aristolocia gigantum or elegantisima (sp?). If you are new to here I recommend "Native Texas Plants:landscaping Region By Region " by Sally and Andy Wasowski. Great aid to the Texas garden.