Climbing plants bring natural beauty to indoor and outdoor spaces, turning plain walls, fences, or structures into lush green oases. Whether you’re aiming to add greenery to your indoor living space or create an outdoor privacy screen, climbing plants for trellis are an excellent solution.
This guide will introduce you to 20 of the best climbing plants that thrive on trellises, and I’ll also dive into the basics of what makes a trellis a perfect partner for climbing plants.
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What Are Climbing Plants?
Climbing plants are species that grow vertically by using support structures such as trellises, walls, fences, or even other plants.
They cling to surfaces with aerial roots, tendrils, or twining stems. These plants are perfect for maximizing vertical spaces and creating stunning visual effects indoors or outdoors.
From delicate vines to robust climbers, they come in various forms, making them versatile for various settings.
Whether grown in pots or garden beds, these plants are ideal for DIY trellis for climbing plants projects, adding a touch of nature to any space.
What Is a Trellis?
A trellis is a structure typically made from wood, metal, or string, designed to support the vertical growth of climbing plants.
It helps guide the plants as they ascend, allowing them to get optimal sunlight exposure, better airflow, and space to flourish.
You can use trellises indoors or outdoors – they are suitable for everything from climbing indoor plants trellis setups to large outdoor pergolas and fences.
You can opt for a wooden trellis for climbing plants for a rustic look or a string trellis for climbing plants for a minimalist feel.
20 Climbing Plants for Trellis, Pergola, or Fence
Here are 20 climbing plants ideal for trellis, pergolas, or fences. I describe each plant in terms of its mature size, sun exposure, soil needs, and USDA growing zones, ensuring you can find the perfect option for your space.
1. Clematis
Clematis is a popular choice for climbing trellis plants patio gardens due to its stunning flowers and wide range of colors.
Clematis can grow between 10-12 feet tall and thrives in full sun, although its roots prefer shade.
This plant performs best in well-drained soil and flourishes in USDA zones 4-9.
2. English Ivy
English Ivy is a fast-growing evergreen vine, commonly used as a climbing plant for privacy trellis or as a climbing trellis plants patio solution.
It can grow up to 50 feet tall and thrives in shade, making it perfect for shade climbing plants trellis.
English Ivy grows well in moist, well-drained soil and is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
3. Jasmine
Jasmine is a fragrant climber that’s ideal for both outdoor and climbing house plants trellis setups.
It grows quickly, reaching heights of up to 15 feet, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Jasmine thrives in USDA zones 7-10 and loves well-drained soil.
4. Sweet Pea
Sweet Pea is known for its delicate, fragrant flowers that grow well on a string trellis for climbing plants.
These plants can reach heights of 6-8 feet and prefer full sun with cool roots.
Sweet Peas grow best in USDA zones 2-11 and need fertile, well-drained soil to thrive.
5. Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a vibrant, sun-loving plant perfect for a wooden trellis for climbing plants or fences.
It can grow up to 30 feet tall in warmer climates and requires well-drained soil.
Bougainvillea flourishes in USDA zones 9-11 and is often grown in pots with trellises in cooler regions.
6. Climbing Roses
Climbing Roses bring classic elegance to any climbing plants trellis UK garden. They can grow up to 20 feet tall and thrive in full sun with well-drained soil.
These beautiful climbers are best suited for USDA zones 5-9.
7. Trumpet Vine
The Trumpet Vine is a fast-growing climber that can reach up to 40 feet in height. It’s perfect for large spaces, shade trellis plants climbing vines, and climbing plants for privacy trellis purposes.
This hardy plant grows best in USDA zones 4-9 and prefers well-drained soil.
8. Morning Glory
Morning Glory is a vigorous vine with striking blooms that open in the morning sun.
Ideal for DIY trellis for climbing plants, it can grow up to 15 feet and prefers full sun with well-drained soil. Morning Glory thrives in USDA zones 3-10.
9. Passionflower
Passionflower is an exotic climber perfect for a climbing indoor plants trellis or outdoor setups.
It can grow up to 15 feet and prefers full sun to partial shade. Passionflower does well in USDA zones 6-10 and loves rich, well-drained soil.
10. Wisteria
Wisteria is a stunning, cascading climber that can grow up to 30 feet or more, making it perfect for large wooden trellis for climbing plants or pergolas.
It requires full sun and well-drained soil and performs best in USDA zones 5-9.
11. Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is a fragrant favorite, reaching up to 20 feet in height. This climber grows well in full sun or partial shade and thrives in USDA zones 4-9, preferring well-drained soil.
12. Black-Eyed Susan Vine
The Black-Eyed Susan Vine is a cheerful addition to any climbing plants in pots trellis ideas.
It can grow up to 8 feet tall and loves full sun, thriving in USDA zones 9-11.
The plant does best in well-drained soil.
13. Ivy Geranium
Ivy Geranium is a colorful climber that works well on a string trellis for climbing plants or pergola. It grows up to 3-6 feet tall and thrives in full sun. Ivy Geranium does well in USDA zones 9-11.
14. Mandevilla
Mandevilla is a tropical climber that grows up to 20 feet and is perfect for climbing trellis plants patio setups.
It prefers full sun and thrives in USDA zones 10-11, needing well-drained soil for optimal growth.
15. Star Jasmine
Star Jasmine is another fragrant climber, reaching heights of up to 20 feet. It thrives in partial shade, making it ideal for shade trellis plants climbing vines.
Star Jasmine does well in USDA zones 8-10 and prefers well-drained soil.
16. Dutchman’s Pipe
Dutchman’s Pipe is an unusual climber with fascinating, curved flowers.
This plant can grow up to 30 feet and prefers partial to full shade, making it perfect for shade climbing plants trellis.
It thrives in USDA zones 4-8 and enjoys rich, moist soil.
17. Golden Hops
Golden Hops are striking climbers known for their bright yellow foliage. These vines grow up to 15 feet tall and perform well in full sun to partial shade.
Golden Hops do best in USDA zones 3-9 and prefer well-drained soil.
18. Akebia
Akebia, also known as Chocolate Vine, is a fast-growing climber that can grow up to 40 feet.
It thrives in partial shade and is a good choice for climbing plants for privacy trellis projects.
Akebia prefers well-drained soil and grows best in USDA zones 4-8.
19. Canary Creeper
Canary Creeper is an eye-catching vine with delicate yellow flowers, growing up to 12 feet. This climber thrives in full sun and performs best in USDA zones 9-11.
Canary Creeper loves fertile, well-drained soil.
20. Hydrangea Vine
The Hydrangea Vine is a slow-growing climber that reaches up to 30 feet. It prefers partial shade, making it ideal for shade climbing plants trellis applications.
This vine thrives in USDA zones 5-9 and prefers well-drained, rich soil.
Related: 20 Beautiful Hydrangea Landscaping Ideas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can climbing plants grow indoors on a trellis?
A: Yes, several climbing indoor plants trellis setups work beautifully indoors, such as Jasmine, Passionflower, and Ivy. These plants thrive in pots with appropriate support structures like string trellis for climbing plants.
Q: What is the best trellis material for outdoor climbing plants?
A: Both wooden trellis for climbing plants and metal trellises are great options for outdoor spaces. Wooden trellises offer a natural look, while metal ones tend to last longer and require less maintenance.
Q: Can climbing plants provide privacy?
A: Yes, climbing plants for privacy trellis setups are very effective. Fast-growing climbers like English Ivy, Trumpet Vine, and Clematis can create a dense green barrier, adding privacy to your space.
Q: How do I support climbing plants in pots?
A: Use a DIY trellis for climbing plants or a pre-made climbing plants in pots trellis setup. Ensure the trellis is firmly anchored in the pot and provide regular support as the plant grows.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to enhance the charm of your garden, create shade, or add a green privacy screen, choosing the right climbing plants for trellis is key.
With options like fragrant Jasmine, vibrant Bougainvillea, or elegant Clematis, there’s a climbing plant for every garden style and climate.
Get creative with DIY trellis for climbing plants or enhance your patio with a climbing trellis plants patio setup—your garden will thank you for it!