25 Best Climbing Plants for Walls and Trellises

Kasey Spencer
Climbing Plants for Walls and Trellises

Choosing the right climbing plants for our walls and trellises can transform ordinary spaces into vibrant, green havens. Whether we’re looking to add a splash of color or create a lush, natural screen, climbing plants are versatile options that suit various gardening needs.

What are the best choices to beautify our outdoor spaces? This article explores 25 of the best climbing plants that can thrive in different conditions and add charm to our gardens. From fast-growing vines to fragrant bloomers, there’s something for every garden enthusiast.

1. English Ivy

English Ivy

English Ivy is one of the most popular choices for walls and trellises. It’s a hardy plant that thrives in USDA Zones 5 to 9. We can plant it in various conditions, from full sun to full shade.

We should space the plants about 12 to 18 inches apart when planting English Ivy. This gives them enough room to grow without crowding each other. Proper spacing also helps ensure healthy growth and coverage.

We need to dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the ivy in the hole, and backfill with soil. Watering thoroughly helps settle the soil and promotes root establishment.

English Ivy not only looks good but also helps purify the air. It’s an evergreen vine that maintains its foliage year-round, making it a reliable choice for adding greenery to our spaces.

2. Clematis ‘Jackmanii’

Clematis Julka purple flowers
Image: Envato Elements

Clematis ‘Jackmanii’ is a classic climbing plant known for its stunning deep purple-violet flowers. Hardy in zones 4-11, this vine is an excellent option for adding vertical interest to our gardens. It can easily reach heights of 8-12 feet, making it perfect for trellises, walls, fences, and arbors.

We often pair Clematis ‘Jackmanii’ with other climbers, such as roses, to create a visually striking combination. Planting this clematis in well-drained soil is crucial. It’s best to place the root ball a few inches below the soil surface to promote the growth of latent buds.

During the growing season, from April to late August, Clematis ‘Jackmanii’ benefits from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer. Keeping the soil moist, especially in warmer months, helps it thrive. We can also use mulch around the roots to retain moisture and prevent root rot.

3. Wisteria sinensis

Wisteria sinensis
Image: Envato Elements

Wisteria sinensis is a stunning flower vine that adds beauty to any garden. We need strong support for this vigorous climber. Galvanized steel wires or a sturdy trellis are ideal. With proper care, it can grow impressively. Its cascades of delicate, fragrant flowers are breathtaking in spring. Climbing on walls, fences, or pergolas, creates a charming, natural display.

Regular pruning helps maintain its shape. We should guide the vines to encourage even growth. Wisteria sinensis needs sunlight and well-drained soil to thrive. By following these steps, we can enjoy its stunning blooms year after year.

4. Honeysuckle ‘Goldflame’

Honeysuckle 'Goldflame'
Image: Envato Elements

Honeysuckle ‘Goldflame’ is a stunning climber known for its vibrant colors and delightful scent. This twining deciduous vine features large, tubular flowers that are deep pink on the outside and orange-yellow on the inside.

We can enjoy its blooms from early summer through fall. It’s a great choice for adding a splash of color to walls and trellises.

It’s important to plant ‘Goldflame’ in well-draining soil. While it can adapt to various soil types, the vine prefers slightly dryer conditions to avoid overly dense growth. When planting, we should dig a hole 2-3 times the width of the container but at the same depth.

Spacing is crucial. We should place each plant at least 3 feet apart to allow for ample growth. Supporting the vine with a sturdy trellis or wall lattice will help it thrive and add beauty to our garden spaces.

5. Boston Ivy

Boston Ivy

Boston Ivy is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to cover walls or trellises. It’s a deciduous climber, meaning it sheds its leaves seasonally, which can add a dynamic element to your garden.

We love Boston Ivy for its rapid growth and vibrant red foliage in the fall. This plant thrives in both partial shade and full sun, though it needs full sun to achieve its best autumn color.

Boston Ivy is low maintenance and perfect for creating a living wall that offers privacy. It can grow on various surfaces and is especially stunning when climbing large structures. Avoid letting it climb trees, as it can cause damage over time.

6. Star Jasmine

Star Jasmine

Star Jasmine is a fantastic choice for adding beauty to our walls and trellises. This evergreen vine is known for its star-shaped white flowers and their sweet fragrance. We can plant Star Jasmine in full or partial sun. It thrives in well-drained soil and appreciates regular watering.

When training Star Jasmine on a trellis, we should weave the vines through the gaps as they grow. Its twining habit helps it securely hold onto the support. In addition to trellises, Star Jasmine can also be trained to climb walls or cover arbors and pergolas. For walls, adding a trellis helps guide its growth.

Star Jasmine is quite hardy, capable of withstanding temperatures down to 20°F. This makes it a versatile plant for many regions.

7. Climbing Hydrangea

Climbing Hydrangea

Climbing Hydrangea is a versatile and attractive plant for walls and trellises. These robust vines can grow up to 30-50 feet tall and provide stunning blooms in the late summer. The flowers are typically white and form in large, flat clusters.

We should plant Climbing Hydrangea in rich, well-drained soil. It prefers partial to full shade but can tolerate various light conditions. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and reduces weeds.

When training Climbing Hydrangea on a trellis or wall, we can use twine to gently tie the vines. This plant has strong aerial rootlets that cling to surfaces like stone, brick, and fences. Avoid using it on wooden structures, as the rootlets may cause damage over time.

8. Bougainvillea ‘Barbara Karst’

Bougainvillea 'Barbara Karst'
Image: Envato Elements

Bougainvillea ‘Barbara Karst’ is one of the standout choices for adding vibrant color to walls and trellises. This hybrid variety produces clusters of bright red to magenta bracts that surround tiny white flowers.

It’s a vigorous grower, making it perfect for covering large areas quickly. We find it particularly useful for patios, arbors, or as a dramatic groundcover on banks.

This plant thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil. It’s evergreen in frost-free climates and offers superb warm-season color in areas with colder winters. Once established, ‘Barbara Karst’ is drought tolerant, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners.

Regular pruning keeps its growth in check and maintains its shape. Light pruning or tipping during the main growth period helps manage its rapid development on trellises or walls.

9. Trumpet Vine ‘Madame Galen’

Trumpet Vine 'Madame Galen'

Trumpet Vine ‘Madame Galen’ is a standout climber with its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. The blooms are a striking mix of salmon red, orange-red, and rich gold deep in the throat.

This vigorous grower can reach up to 25 feet. It climbs using aerial roots, making it an excellent choice for walls and trellises. We appreciate its ease of care. ‘Madame Galen’ thrives with minimal maintenance, adding bold colors to our garden throughout the summer and early fall.

10. Roses ‘Gertrude Jekyll’

Roses 'Gertrude Jekyll'

Roses ‘Gertrude Jekyll‘ is a top choice for climbing plants. This rose, bred by David Austin, has been popular since its introduction in 1986.

The blooms are a stunning deep pink. They are highly fragrant, filling our gardens with a lovely scent. They can grow up to 8-10 feet tall when used as climbers.

We find that they thrive in full sun but can also do well in partial shade. They need rich, well-drained soil. Regular watering helps them bloom from late spring until frost.

Named after the famous garden designer Gertrude Jekyll, this rose variety is known for its beauty and hardiness. We recommend it for adding charm and structure to our trellises and walls.

11. Morning Glory ‘Heavenly Blue’

Morning Glories
Image: Envato Elements

Morning Glory ‘Heavenly Blue’ is a stunning addition to any garden. With its vibrant, azure-blue trumpet-shaped flowers, it captures attention instantly.

The flowers open in the morning to reveal white and yellow throats. They close by the afternoon, giving the plant its common name.

This variety climbs up to 12 feet. Its large, heart-shaped leaves provide a beautiful backdrop to the vivid flowers.

Morning Glories are easy to grow from seeds. We can sow them directly in the garden after the frost danger has passed. For an early start, we can plant seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.

Ensuring the soil is good and feeding the plants regularly helps them thrive. Adding a bit of garden compost to the planting area supports healthy growth.

12. Black-Eyed Susan Vine

Black-Eyed Susan Vine

The Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata) is a popular choice for trellises and walls. This fast-growing vine can reach heights of 6 to 8 feet in a single growing season with proper support. Its vibrant flowers with dark centers, resembling black eyes, add a splash of color to any garden. The petals come in shades of yellow, orange, and white.

Caring for Black-Eyed Susan Vines is easy. They thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Regular watering keeps them healthy, especially during dry spells.

Planting them in well-draining soil ensures they grow strong and healthy. They can be grown in the ground or containers, making them versatile for different garden setups. This vine is suitable for hardiness zones 10-11. Though they are typically grown as annuals in cooler climates, they can be perennial in warmer areas.

13. Sweet Pea ‘Royal Family’

Sweet peas flower
Image: Envato Elements

Sweet Pea ‘Royal Family’ is a popular climbing plant known for its vibrant and fragrant flowers. These plants produce beautiful blossoms in shades of pink, red, blue, and white.

We appreciate how this variety thrives on trellises and walls, growing up to 6 feet tall. This makes them ideal for adding a splash of color to vertical spaces in our gardens.

To cultivate Sweet Pea ‘Royal Family’, we should plant the seeds in well-drained soil. Full sun is best for vigorous growth. Regular watering helps keep the vines healthy and blooming.

For stronger roots, sow seeds in pots before transplanting them outdoors. This strategy encourages robust initial growth. By following these simple steps, we can enjoy a stunning display of flowers from our Sweet Pea vines.

14. Passionflower ‘Incense’

Passionflower 'Incense'

Passionflower ‘Incense’ is a stunning addition to our collection of climbing plants. This fast-growing deciduous climber features royal purple flowers that are about 5 inches across. Each bloom is adorned with pale, wavy filaments, creating an intricate and attractive display.

This passionflower variety also produces egg-sized fruits that range from olive-green to yellow. These fruits have fragrant, tasty pulp inside. Additionally, the plant has beautiful, three-lobed dark green leaves that add to its visual appeal.

Our gardens benefit from the elegance and hardiness of Passionflower ‘Incense’. It thrives in well-drained soil and sunny locations, making it a versatile choice for walls and trellises. The fragrance of its flowers and fruit enhances our outdoor spaces, while its vigorous growth can quickly cover structures.

15. Grapevine ‘Concord’

Grapevine 'Concord'
Image: Envato Elements

Grapevine ‘Concord’ is one of the most popular types of grapevines for home gardens. We love this variety because it not only provides a delicious harvest but also looks great when climbing up walls and trellises. The ‘Concord’ grapevine produces sweet, deep blue grapes that are perfect for making juice, jelly, and even wine.

When it comes to care, ‘Concord’ grapevines are quite hardy. They thrive in sunny, sheltered spots and well-drained soil. It’s important to give the roots enough space to grow deep and wide. Grapevine ‘Concord’ usually starts producing fruit around its third year.

This climbing plant can reach impressive heights, providing plenty of shade and an attractive green cover. Using a sturdy trellis or arbor supports its growth, enabling us to enjoy both its beauty and bounty.

16. Bougainvillea ‘California Gold’

Bougainvillea 'California Gold'

Bougainvillea ‘California Gold’ stands out with its vibrant yellow bracts, making it a top choice for brightening up walls and trellises. This evergreen shrub or vine is vigorous and free-flowering, providing consistent color in our gardens.

To thrive, it requires full sun exposure—at least six to eight hours daily. It prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil, with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5.

When training ‘California Gold’ to climb, we should use soft ties or twine. Secure the woody stems to the support structure, allowing enough room for growth.

With proper care, Bougainvillea ‘California Gold’ can create a stunning display, producing colorful blossoms periodically throughout the year in warm climates, and from summer to fall in cooler areas. The golden yellow bracts surround tiny white flowers, adding an extra layer of beauty.

17. Climbing Rose ‘Climbing Iceberg’

Climbing Rose 'Climbing Iceberg'
Image: Envato Elements

The Climbing Rose ‘Climbing Iceberg’ is one of our favorite choices for walls and trellises. This rose boasts beautiful, white blooms that appear in abundance throughout the growing season.

Not only is ‘Climbing Iceberg’ stunning to look at, but it is also known for its resilience. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate partial shade.

It grows vigorously, reaching heights of up to 15 feet, making it perfect for covering large areas. The blooms are slightly fragrant, adding a lovely scent to your garden.

This rose is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, meaning it can handle a range of climates. With its easy care requirements, ‘Climbing Iceberg’ is an excellent option for both novice and experienced gardeners.

18. Chocolate Vine

Chocolate Vine

Chocolate Vine, known scientifically as Akebia quinata, is a versatile climber. Its name comes from the faint chocolate scent of its flowers. These blooms, which are usually purple or chocolate-colored, add a unique touch to any garden.

This vine thrives in well-drained soil and can handle partial to full sun. It grows rapidly, and its climbing ability makes it ideal for covering walls, fences, and trellises.

We should note that Chocolate Vine can grow up to 40 feet, so it needs regular pruning. This will keep it in check and ensure it doesn’t overtake other plants nearby.

Additionally, Chocolate Vine produces interesting seed pods that resemble small sausages. These can add further visual interest to your outdoor space.

19. Japanese Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle

Japanese Honeysuckle is a popular climbing plant known for its fragrant flowers and vigorous growth. It’s perfect for adding charm to walls and trellises.

We should plant Japanese Honeysuckle in a sunny or partly shaded spot. It tolerates a variety of soil types but thrives best in well-drained soil.

To start, we can use a mix of peat moss and potting soil. Seeds should be pressed about one-eighth of an inch deep and kept moist.

Using a trellis or wire support is essential. We need to attach both horizontal and vertical wires with a gap of at least 2 inches from the wall. This allows the vines to wrap and climb easily.

Regular pruning helps control its growth and keeps it looking neat and healthy. By giving it room to grow and proper support, we can enjoy its beauty and fragrance year-round.

20. Scarlet Runner Bean

Scarlet Runner Beans
Image: Envato Elements

Scarlet runner bean is a versatile climbing plant that adds both beauty and function to our gardens. Its bright red flowers are a striking sight, and the plant can grow up to 12 feet tall.

We can use scarlet runner beans to cover fences, trellises, or even arbors. The heart-shaped leaves and vibrant blooms create an attractive privacy screen.

In addition to its ornamental value, the scarlet runner bean produces edible beans. The young leaves and flowers are also edible, making it a practical choice for us. Scarlet runner bean thrives in full sun and requires rich, well-drained soil. Regular watering keeps the soil moist, promoting healthy growth.

In warm, frost-free regions, scarlet runner beans can grow as perennials, providing year-round beauty and harvests. This makes them an excellent addition to any garden looking for a blend of aesthetics and utility.

21. Golden Hops

Carolina Jessamine

Golden Hops is a popular climbing plant known for its striking foliage and rapid growth. The leaves are a bright yellow-green, which adds a splash of color to any garden.

This plant thrives best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and needs regular watering. Growing Golden Hops is easy. The vines can quickly cover walls and trellises. If left unchecked, the plant can spread aggressively, so regular pruning is necessary to keep it in shape.

Golden Hops also produces small, cone-shaped flowers. These flowers can be used in brewing for their bittering properties. The plant is hardy and can survive in various climates.

With its vibrant leaves and fast growth, Golden Hops is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to cover large areas quickly. Regular care will ensure this plant remains a stunning addition to our garden.

22. Silver Lace Vine

Silver Lace Vine

Silver Lace Vine is a versatile and easy-to-care-for plant. It works well as a ground cover or a climbing vine. We can train it to climb up trellises, and walls, or even cascade over containers.

During the spring and summer, it produces fragrant white flowers. These blooms add a touch of elegance to our gardens. Silver Lace Vine thrives in a variety of conditions.

This plant is great for many outdoor spaces. It tolerates different soil types and needs minimal maintenance. Its rapid growth makes it a favorite for covering large areas quickly.

23. Carolina Jessamine

Carolina Jessamine

Carolina Jessamine is an excellent choice for adding beauty to our walls and trellises. This native vine thrives in the southern and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.

We should plant Carolina Jessamine in fertile, well-drained soil. It prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. As it grows, we should train the vines up supports like trellises or meshes. Carolina Jessamine can reach heights of 10 feet or more.

This plant is not only visually appealing but also attracts pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies. Its evergreen leaves keep it looking green year-round.

24. Virginia Creeper

Virginia Creeper
Image: Envato Elements

Virginia Creeper is a versatile and hardy climbing plant. It’s well-suited for covering walls, fences, and trellises. We can grow it in large pots or containers, making it a flexible choice for various garden spaces.

This plant can thrive in full sun to partial shade. Its leaves turn impressive shades of red and orange in the fall, adding seasonal color to our garden.

We can propagate Virginia Creeper through semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings. Simply place the cuttings in moist soil and watch them root quickly. This makes it easy for us to expand our garden with minimal effort.

25. Climbing Rose ‘New Dawn’

Climbing Rose 'New Dawn'

Climbing Rose ‘New Dawn’ is one of our top choices for walls and trellises. This rose is known for its blush-pink blooms that appear in abundance.

The flowers can reach a diameter of 3 to 4 inches. Their sweet fragrance, often compared to apples, adds a delightful touch to any garden. This variety is hardy, growing well in zones 5-10. Its vigorous nature makes it suitable for large spaces. It’s also recognized for its ability to bloom on both old and new wood.

Planting ‘New Dawn’ roses requires full to part sun. They thrive in well-drained soil. Regular pruning helps maintain their shape and encourages more blooms. Overall, ‘New Dawn’ is a versatile and beautiful choice for any garden setting. Its history and performance make it a favorite among gardeners.

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