When you are looking to transform your outdoor space you need to take a broad look at all of your design options, from what sort of structure you want to how you will give everything a natural aesthetic with the help of landscaping and climbing plants.
Once you have settled your pergola vs gazebo debate and chosen your preferred option, it’s time to turn your attention to your planting and landscaping ambitions. Top of your list will be climbing plants. They always make a versatile and visually stunning addition to your garden aesthetic and overall setting.
Whether you’re looking to add vertical interest, cover unsightly walls, or create shaded outdoor spaces, climbing plants can offer a wealth of not just aesthetic, but functional benefits. This guide explores some of the most popular climbing plants available, their unique attributes, and some useful tips for cultivating them successfully.
Why choose climbing plants?
A good starting point would be to look at why you should use climbing plants in your landscaping plans. Basically, climbing plants are excellent for gardens of all sizes. They utilize vertical space, making them ideal for small yards or urban settings.
Beyond aesthetics, these plants can act as natural insulation when grown on walls, and provide privacy as living fences or screens. Most of these plants attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which is an attractive option. Plus, they can offer delicious fruits or fragrant blooms.
Understanding the different types of climbing plants
Climbers are classified by how they ascend surfaces. Here are the main types to use-
Twining climbers use stems or leaves to coil around supports. Examples include wisteria and morning glory.
Tendrils use specialized structures to grip. Sweet peas and passionflower are examples of tendrils.
Clinging vines feature adhesive pads or aerial roots. Boston ivy and climbing hydrangeas fall into this category.
Scramblers require tying or support, such as climbing roses.
Here’s a look at some of the top climbing plants that should be able to thrive in your garden.
Wisteria
Known for its cascading clusters of fragrant purple, blue, or white flowers, wisteria adds a dramatic touch to pergolas and arches. Notable species include Wisteria sinensis (Chinese Wisteria) and Wisteria floribunda (Japanese Wisteria)
You should note that Wisteria requires full sun and sturdy support to thrive. It also benefits from regular pruning to prevent invasiveness.
Clematis
This diverse genus includes climbers with vibrant blooms in colors ranging from white to deep purple. Many Clematis varieties are suitable for smaller gardens.
It is a climbing plant that prefers full sun with shaded roots. Popular varieties include Jackmanii, which has distinctive purple flowers, and Nelly Moser, which has a pale pink hue and darker stripes.
Trumpet vine
This is a vigorous native vine with bright orange-red tubular flowers, making it perfect for attracting hummingbirds.
It grows best in full sun. It is also important to note that you must prune aggressively to control its spread, as it can become invasive.
Climbing roses
Without doubt, climbing roses have a classic timeless elegance about them. They produce fragrant flowers that can really enhance any fence or trellis.
To thrive, climbing roses need at least six hours of sunlight, and need to be placed in well-drained soil. Popular varieties include New Dawn, which has a pale pink finish, and Don Juan, which has a deep red color.
Bougainvillea
If you want a climbing plant that can be described as a true “showstopper”, look no further than Bougainvillea. It has a highly distinctive vibrancy, offering shades of magenta, orange, and white. It is a plant that thrives in warm, sunny areas.
Another notable point is that this plant requires minimal watering. Just put it in well drained soil and enjoy the view.
Morning Glory
This fast-growing annual thrives in most climates. It has distinctive trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the morning and fade by evening.
It grows well in full sun, but you should also note that it self-seeds prolifically, so deadheading is advised to control spread. Good examples of Morning Glory varieties include Heavenly Blue, and Scarlett O’Hara.
Passionflower
This climbing plant is renowned for its exotic, intricate flowers. It also produces edible passion fruits in some varieties.
Passionflower needs full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It is a good choice for trellises or fences. Notable species of Passionflower include Maypop, and Blue Passionflower.
Honeysuckle
This is a fragrant favorite. Honeysuckle vines feature tubular flowers that attract pollinators, and thrive in full sun to partial shade. Regular pruning is needed to prevent overcrowding.
A good example of a native variety would be Coral Honeysuckle.
Boston Ivy
This is a self-clinging climber with lush green leaves that turn vibrant red in fall. Boston Ivy is a popular choice for covering walls.
Another reason why this climber is so popular is that it is easy to grow in either sun or shade. It is also tolerant to various soil types.
Climbing Hydrangea
Climbing Hydrangea produces lacy white flowers and lush foliage. It is considered perfect for shaded areas. It is a plant that has a clear preference for partial to full shade, and needs a solid structure to climb, such as a stone wall or sturdy trellis.
General tips for growing climbing plants
It’s always wise to provide suitable support for your plants. Install trellises, arbors, or pergolas for twining or tendril climbers. For heavy climbers like wisteria, it’s best to use metal or sturdy wood supports.
You should also consider your chosen plant’s growing habits. Fast-growing climbers like trumpet vine, for instance, can soon overwhelm small gardens. A good tip would be to train plants early to guide growth and prevent unruliness.
Most climbers prefer well-drained soil and at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Be sure to research the specific needs for your chosen plant.
When it comes to pruning and maintenance, be sure to prune regularly to shape growth and remove dead or diseased sections. Get into the habit of deadheading flowers to encourage blooming and control spread.
Be vigilant when dealing with invasive species. Some climbers, like Trumpet Vine and Boston ivy, can become invasive. That’s why you should monitor growth and prune aggressively.
Seasonal care and maintenance tips
Spring – Begin planting and provide supports. Apply fertilizer as new growth starts.
Summer – Water deeply and consistently. Watch for pests like aphids or spider mites.
Fall – Prune back aggressively after flowering. Apply mulch for winter protection.
Winter – Protect tender climbers like Bougainvillea with frost covers in colder conditions.
Without doubt, climbing plants can be considered a valuable addition to any garden, offering beauty and functionality. With proper care and thoughtful selection, these versatile plants will transform your outdoor space into a lush, vertical paradise.
They will also enhance your outdoor structure, like a pergola, or gazebo.
What are your favorite climbing plants? Share your gardening stories and tips in the comments below!