10 Best Climbing Plants for Garden Trellises

Climbing plants can transform your garden into a lush, green paradise by covering trellises, walls, and fences with vibrant foliage and beautiful blooms. These plants are ideal for adding vertical interest to your garden, creating privacy screens, or simply enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space. With a wide variety of climbing plants available, ranging from fast-growing vines to delicate creepers, there’s something to suit every gardener’s needs and preferences.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the 10 best climbing plants for garden trellises, providing detailed information on each plant’s characteristics, growing conditions, and care requirements. Whether you’re looking for a flowering vine that attracts pollinators or a robust climber that can quickly cover a large area, this article will help you choose the perfect plants to create a stunning vertical garden.

1. Clematis: The Queen of Climbers

Overview of Clematis

Clematis is often referred to as the “queen of climbers” due to its stunning, large flowers and versatile growing habits. With over 300 species and countless cultivars, clematis offers a wide range of flower shapes, colors, and blooming times, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance to their trellises.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Clematis prefers a location with full sun to partial shade, with its roots kept cool and shaded. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter, with a slightly alkaline pH. Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

Care and Maintenance

Regular watering is essential for clematis, especially during the growing season. Pruning requirements vary depending on the species and cultivar, so it’s important to know whether your clematis blooms on old or new wood. Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Popular Varieties of Clematis

Clematis ‘Jackmanii’: Known for its large, deep purple flowers that bloom in mid-summer.
Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’: Features pale pink flowers with a striking deep pink stripe down the center of each petal.
Clematis ‘Sweet Autumn’: A vigorous grower with small, fragrant white flowers that bloom in late summer to fall.

2. Wisteria: A Majestic Cascading Vine

Overview of Wisteria

Wisteria is a fast-growing, deciduous vine known for its stunning cascades of fragrant flowers that hang in long clusters. Native to Asia and North America, wisteria is a popular choice for gardeners who want to create a dramatic focal point in their garden with a pergola or trellis covered in beautiful blooms.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Wisteria thrives in full sun and well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It prefers a sheltered location where it is protected from strong winds, which can damage the delicate flowers. Wisteria can be grown in containers, but it will require regular pruning to keep it in check.

Care and Maintenance

Wisteria requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and encourage flowering. Prune in late winter to remove any unwanted growth and again in summer to control its size. Wisteria is a heavy feeder, so apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again after flowering to promote vigorous growth and abundant blooms.

Popular Varieties of Wisteria

Wisteria sinensis: Known for its lavender-blue flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.
Wisteria floribunda ‘Royal Purple’: Features deep violet flowers in long, cascading clusters.
Wisteria ‘Amethyst Falls’: A more compact variety with fragrant, purple flowers that bloom in late spring and rebloom in summer.

3. Honeysuckle: A Fragrant and Hardy Climber

Overview of Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is a vigorous, twining vine known for its sweetly scented flowers that attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. With its long-lasting blooms and easy-growing nature, honeysuckle is a great choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance climbing plant that adds fragrance and color to their garden.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Honeysuckle grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including clay, sandy, and loamy soils. Honeysuckle can be grown in containers or directly in the ground, and it will quickly cover a trellis or fence with its lush foliage and fragrant flowers.

Care and Maintenance

Honeysuckle requires minimal maintenance once established. Regular watering during dry periods will help promote healthy growth, and a light pruning after flowering will keep the plant in shape and encourage new blooms. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to support vigorous growth.

Popular Varieties of Honeysuckle

Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’: A vigorous grower with fragrant white flowers that turn yellow as they age.
Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina’: Known for its deep red and gold flowers that bloom from late spring to early autumn.
Lonicera sempervirens ‘Major Wheeler’: A non-invasive variety with bright red flowers that attract hummingbirds.

4. Climbing Roses: Classic Beauty and Fragrance

Overview of Climbing Roses

Climbing roses are a timeless addition to any garden, offering a combination of classic beauty and delightful fragrance. Unlike true climbers, climbing roses are actually vigorous shrubs with long canes that can be trained to grow on trellises, arbors, and fences. With a wide range of colors and flower forms, climbing roses can create a stunning vertical display in your garden.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Climbing roses thrive in full sun and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They require a location with good air circulation to prevent disease and benefit from a site that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. Mulching around the base of the plant will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Care and Maintenance

Climbing roses require regular watering, especially during dry periods, and benefit from a layer of mulch to help retain moisture. Pruning is essential to maintain their shape and encourage blooming. Prune in late winter to early spring, removing any dead or damaged wood and training the canes to grow horizontally on the trellis to promote more flowers.

Popular Varieties of Climbing Roses

Rosa ‘New Dawn’: A vigorous climber with blush pink flowers that bloom repeatedly throughout the growing season.
Rosa ‘Eden’: Known for its large, fragrant, old-fashioned blooms in shades of pink and cream.
Rosa ‘Iceberg’: A hardy climber with pure white flowers that bloom prolifically from spring to fall.

5. Jasmine: A Delicate and Fragrant Climber

Overview of Jasmine

Jasmine is a popular climbing plant known for its delicate, star-shaped flowers and sweet fragrance. With its evergreen foliage and long-lasting blooms, jasmine is a great choice for adding beauty and scent to your garden. It can be grown on trellises, pergolas, or even as a ground cover, making it a versatile option for gardeners.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Jasmine thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures, though it may require some protection in colder climates. Jasmine can be grown in containers or directly in the ground and will quickly cover a trellis or fence with its fragrant flowers.

Care and Maintenance

Jasmine requires regular watering during the growing season, especially in hot weather. Pruning is important to keep the plant in shape and encourage new growth. Prune after flowering to remove any dead or damaged wood and to maintain the desired shape. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to support healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Popular Varieties of Jasmine

Jasminum officinale: Also known as common jasmine, it features fragrant white flowers that bloom in summer.
Jasminum sambac: Known as Arabian jasmine, it has highly fragrant white flowers that are used to make jasmine tea.
Jasminum polyanthum: A vigorous climber with pink buds that open into fragrant white flowers.

6. Passionflower: Exotic Beauty and Unique Blooms

Overview of Passionflower

Passionflower is an exotic and eye-catching climbing plant known for its intricate, unique blooms that resemble something out of a tropical paradise. Native to South America, passionflower is a fast-growing vine that can quickly cover a trellis or arbor, adding a touch of the exotic to your garden.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Passionflower thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures, though it may require some protection in colder climates. Passionflower can be grown in containers or directly in the ground and will quickly cover a trellis or fence with its unique blooms.

Care and Maintenance

Passionflower requires regular watering during the growing season, especially in hot weather. Pruning is important to keep the plant in shape and encourage new growth. Prune after flowering to remove any dead or damaged wood and

to maintain the desired shape. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to support healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Popular Varieties of Passionflower

Passiflora caerulea: Known as blue passionflower, it features striking blue and white flowers with a central crown of purple filaments.
Passiflora edulis: Also known as passionfruit, it produces edible fruits and features purple and white flowers.
Passiflora incarnata: Commonly known as maypop, it has lavender flowers with a distinctive corona and is native to the southeastern United States.

7. Bougainvillea: A Vibrant and Drought-Tolerant Climber

Overview of Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is a vibrant and drought-tolerant climbing plant known for its stunning, colorful bracts that surround its small, inconspicuous flowers. Native to South America, bougainvillea is a popular choice for gardeners in warm climates who want to add a splash of color to their trellises, arbors, or walls.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Bougainvillea thrives in full sun and well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. Bougainvillea can be grown in containers or directly in the ground and will quickly cover a trellis or fence with its vibrant bracts.

Care and Maintenance

Bougainvillea requires minimal maintenance once established. It is drought-tolerant, but regular watering during dry periods will help promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Pruning is important to keep the plant in shape and encourage new growth. Prune after flowering to remove any dead or damaged wood and to maintain the desired shape.

Popular Varieties of Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea ‘Barbara Karst’: Known for its vibrant magenta bracts that bloom throughout the growing season.
Bougainvillea ‘Orange King’: Features striking orange bracts that add a warm, tropical feel to the garden.
Bougainvillea ‘California Gold’: A vigorous grower with golden-yellow bracts that brighten up any garden.

8. Morning Glory: A Fast-Growing and Colorful Climber

Overview of Morning Glory

Morning glory is a fast-growing climbing plant known for its trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the morning and close by afternoon. With a wide range of colors and varieties available, morning glory is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their trellises, arbors, or fences.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Morning glory thrives in full sun and well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures, though it may require some protection in colder climates. Morning glory can be grown in containers or directly in the ground and will quickly cover a trellis or fence with its colorful blooms.

Care and Maintenance

Morning glory requires regular watering during the growing season, especially in hot weather. Pruning is important to keep the plant in shape and encourage new growth. Prune after flowering to remove any dead or damaged wood and to maintain the desired shape. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to support healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Popular Varieties of Morning Glory

Ipomoea tricolor ‘Heavenly Blue’: Known for its sky-blue flowers that bloom throughout the growing season.
Ipomoea purpurea ‘Grandpa Ott’s’: Features deep purple flowers with a red star-shaped center.
Ipomoea nil ‘Scarlett O’Hara’: A vigorous grower with bright red flowers that add a bold splash of color to the garden.

9. Ivy: A Classic and Evergreen Climber

Overview of Ivy

Ivy is a classic evergreen climbing plant known for its lush, green foliage that can quickly cover walls, fences, and trellises. With its ability to grow in a wide range of conditions, ivy is a versatile and low-maintenance option for gardeners looking to add year-round greenery to their outdoor space.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Ivy thrives in partial to full shade and prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures and growing conditions, making it a popular choice for gardeners in both urban and rural settings. Ivy can be grown in containers or directly in the ground and will quickly cover a trellis or fence with its dense foliage.

Care and Maintenance

Ivy requires minimal maintenance once established. Regular watering during dry periods will help promote healthy growth, and a light pruning after flowering will keep the plant in shape and encourage new growth. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to support vigorous growth.

Popular Varieties of Ivy

Hedera helix ‘Glacier’: Known for its variegated green and white leaves that add visual interest to the garden.
Hedera helix ‘Goldchild’: Features green leaves with a bright yellow edge, adding a pop of color to the garden.
Hedera hibernica: Also known as Atlantic ivy, it has large, glossy green leaves and is ideal for covering large areas.

10. Trumpet Vine: A Hardy and Vigorous Climber

Overview of Trumpet Vine

Trumpet vine is a hardy and vigorous climbing plant known for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. With its fast-growing nature and ability to cover large areas quickly, trumpet vine is a popular choice for gardeners looking to create a vibrant vertical display in their garden.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Trumpet vine thrives in full sun and well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. Trumpet vine can be grown in containers or directly in the ground and will quickly cover a trellis or fence with its vibrant blooms.

Care and Maintenance

Trumpet vine requires minimal maintenance once established. It is drought-tolerant, but regular watering during dry periods will help promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Pruning is important to keep the plant in shape and encourage new growth. Prune after flowering to remove any dead or damaged wood and to maintain the desired shape.

Popular Varieties of Trumpet Vine

Campsis radicans ‘Flava’: Known for its bright yellow flowers that bloom throughout the growing season.
Campsis radicans ‘Madame Galen’: Features large, coral-colored flowers that attract hummingbirds.
Campsis grandiflora: Also known as Chinese trumpet vine, it has large, orange-red flowers that bloom in late summer.

Conclusion

Creating a beautiful garden with vertical interest is made easy with the right climbing plants. Each of the 10 climbing plants discussed in this guide offers unique characteristics, from fragrant flowers to vibrant foliage, making them ideal choices for garden trellises. Whether you’re looking for a fast-growing vine, a delicate creeper, or a drought-tolerant climber, there’s a plant to suit every gardener’s needs and preferences.

By carefully selecting the best climbing plants for your garden trellises and providing them with the proper care and maintenance, you can create a stunning vertical garden that will bring beauty, fragrance, and life to your outdoor space. With the information provided in this guide, you’re well-equipped to choose the perfect climbing plants for your garden and enjoy the many benefits they offer.