When we are talking about climbing plants for trellis, there are actually tons of different variations and types. Climbing plants are basically versatile and flexible additions to the garden because it offers vertical screening, interest, nice smelling blooms, and even edible fruits. But when you want to choose the right one for the trellis, you need to consider the flowering characteristics, requirements for maintenance, and growth habit. So, what are your options?
The Twining Climbers
Among the various lists of climbing plants, twining climbers are unique and different. They have these nice flexible arms that can twist around supports naturally. They can twist around wires or trellises just nicely, so they can climb upwards. Morning Glory is one example of this climber. Known for their trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white, morning glories are fast-growing annuals that can quickly cover a trellis during the growing season.
Honeysuckle is another great option. It smells nice and it produces tubular flower clusters attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. They are generally easy to grow and are available in both deciduous and evergreen varieties.
Clinging Climbers
Another option for climbing plants for trellis is the clinging climbers, which come with special structures. These structures enable them to directly attach to surfaces without needing additional support. They're ideal for covering walls or sturdy trellises. Some of them include Ivy and climbing Hydrangeas. Ivy has aerial roots that cling to walls and trellises. They are evergreen and provide year-round greenery. English ivy is a popular choice for its ability to grow in shade and tolerate various soil conditions.
The climbing hydrangea, on the other hand, is a deciduous climber with white flower clusters in summer and attractive peeling bark in winter. It clings to surfaces via aerial roots and can tolerate partial shade.
Tendril Climbers
They use specialized thin, curling structures called tendrils to wrap around supports and climb upwards. Clematis vines, for instance, are renowned for their showy flowers, which come in a variety of colors and shapes. They prefer sunny locations with their roots shaded and benefit from annual pruning to promote vigorous growth and prolific flowering.
Another example is the grapevines that use tendrils to climb and produce clusters of grapes in the summer. They require strong support and full sun to thrive, making them ideal for trellises in sunny locations.
Scrambling Climbers
They have flexible stems that weave through supports rather than attaching directly. They create a more informal and natural look on trellises, such as black-eyed Susan vine or passionflower. The first one is that the annual vine produces cheerful yellow or orange flowers with dark centers. It's a fast grower that can quickly cover a trellis during the summer months.
The latter have exotic-looking flowers and produce edible fruits. They can be vigorous growers, so regular pruning may be necessary to keep them in check.
Fragrant and Ornamental Climbers
Some of the best examples for this type are jasmine and trumpet vine. Jasmine vines produce highly fragrant white or yellow flowers that perfume the air in summer evenings. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Trumpet vine produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow. They are vigorous climbers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
The list is still long, including edible climbers like peas or cucumbers. Yes, you can grow them on trellises if you want to max out space. With so many different options of climbing plants for trellis, you can have different alternatives and variants.