The real value of climbing plants is that they provide the best value for the amount of garden they take up. Even in a small garden you can plant a climber that will provide a combination of flowers, foliage, and some even fruit, without sacrificing valuable space.
Used to cover walls, arches, obelisks and trellis, they can also be great for covering up fences, and some can also be allowed to climb through trees and shrubs.
So if you want to give your garden a lift, look for a climber that will suit your garden and your zone.
Types of climbing plants do vary, some are suited to different locations and purposes :
Even when it comes to flowers, some are large, such as the hybrid clematis, while others such as Topaeoleum tricolor are tiny.
Even the way that they climb differs, some are twinning, some have tendrils while others attach themselves to the surface with roots systems or suckering growths
So explore the world of climbing plants.
Landscaping with Climbing Plants
- Climbing plants to cover fences
Climbing plants can be used to cover fences, to act as screens or simply to add color to the garden with wonderful flowers or textured foliage. Some will attach themselves to the fence, others will need wires or some other form of support. Try planting a low growing ornamental grass in the forefront to add extra interest. - As Display plants on Obelisks and Trellis
Arches and obelisks are often constructed purely to provide a growing frame for specific climbing plants. And if you wish to take this the extreme then take a look at the Wisteria tunnels in Japan. - For small spaces
Of course climbers are also great for small spaces, they can be trained to cover a wall and give a ‘green room’ effect to a small courtyard without losing valuable outdoor space. - In Hanging Baskets and containers
Some climbers are small and are suited to growing in hanging baskets and containers
Be careful with your selection
Climbing plants range from slow growing to fast or vigorous growers and include both evergreen and deciduous plants. Some are useful, and other can become invasive.
Flowering climbing plants can add color to the garden
Climbing Plant Varieties
- Clematis
- Bougainvillea
- Climbing roses
- The Snail Vine – Cochliasanthus caracalla syn. Vigna caracalla
- Lapageria
- Jasmine
- Wisteria
- Tropaeoleum
- Tecoma
- Mandevilla
- Solanum (The potato Vine)
- Pandorea – Bower of Beauty
- Climbing Hydrangea
Top Five Climbing Plants
Here we list some of the best, a few of the easiest and some the most beautiful climbing plants.
- Lapageria rosea
We do know it is not easy, however the waxy bells are beautiful. - Clematis
Many varieties, some hardy, most with very attractive flowers some as big as dinner plates. - Wisteria
Masses of flowers, fragrant and suits many gardens - Chinese Star Jasmine
Not really a Jasmine at all, however Trachelospermum jasminoides is evergreen, long flowering, fragrant and it gets into our list because it is so easy as well. - Tropaeolum tricolor
It flowers in the colder months and is about as colorful as you can get. Small growing it is well suited to containers, or even a hanging basket.
