Trellises make a terrific addition to the garden. These structures let you maximize the space while also creating shady areas so you can enjoy the garden any time of the day.

One of the most common uses for trellises is to support climbing plants like roses, clematis, or flowering vines. The trellis provides a vertical framework for these plants to grow and adds a lush, natural element to your garden.

Whether you prefer a rustic cottage garden or a modern, minimalist design, trellises can be customized to suit your unique garden vision. From styling a garden to choosing the best climbing plants, here are tips to dress your space with trellises:

The Best Climbing Plants for Your Trellis or Pergola

Choosing the right climbing plants for your trellis or pergola can transform your outdoor space into a lush, green paradise. Here are some of the best climbing plants to consider:

Clematis: Known for its stunning, large, and colorful flowers, clematis is a versatile climber. There are various species and cultivars available, offering a wide range of colors and blooming seasons.

Roses: Everyone dreams of a rose garden, and you’d be surprised how easy it is to build one using a trellis. They offer a romantic and fragrant display of blooms in varying colors of red, pink, and orange. Varieties like ‘New Dawn’ and ‘Climbing Iceberg’ are popular choices for trellises. Besides the common climbing roses, consider climbing miniature roses for smaller trellises for variety and texture. They offer the same elegance in a more compact form.

Wisteria: Wisteria is famous for its cascading clusters of fragrant flowers. It’s a vigorous climber that can cover large structures quickly with its beautiful blooms in gorgeous shades of purple, blue, or white.

Honeysuckle: Honeysuckle vines are known for their sweetly scented tubular flowers that add fragrance in the air. Varieties like Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) are great options.

Jasmine: Jasmine vines offer fragrant white or yellow flowers and are perfect for creating a romantic and aromatic atmosphere. Arabian jasmine (Jasminum sambac) and Confederate jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) are popular choices.

Passionflower: These vines produce unique and intricate flowers – they make a beaytifulk focal point in your outdoor space. Passiflora incarnata, or the Maypop, is a hardy and attractive option because it doesn’t take much to thrive in most conditions.

Climbing Hydrangea: This plant features clusters of white or pinkish flowers and lush, dark green foliage. It’s an excellent choice for adding texture to your trellis or pergola.

Trumpet Vine: This vigorous climber produces vibrant orange or red trumpet-shaped flowers. It attracts hummingbirds and adds life and a burst of color to your outdoor space.

Climbing Hyacinth Bean: This fast-growing vine offers clusters of purple, pink, or white flowers and attractive foliage. It’s not only beautiful but also attracts pollinators.

Virginia Creeper: Known for its eye-catching fall foliage, Virginia creeper is an excellent choice for covering large areas. It has attractive, five-lobed leaves and thrives in various conditions.

Bougainvillea: Bougainvillea vines are famous for their bright, papery bracts that come in a stunning explosion of colors, including pink, purple, red, and orange. They thrive in warm climates.

Morning Glory: These annual vines produce vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the morning. They come in a variety of colors and add a touch of charm to any trellis.

Kiwi Vine: Not only do kiwi vines provide delicious fruits but also lush foliage and flowers. Male and female vines are required for fruit production.

Boston Ivy: Boston ivy is a deciduous climber with vibrant red fall foliage. It’s a low-maintenance choice for covering walls and structures.

Before choosing a climbing plant or flowering vine, consider factors like your climate, the amount of sunlight the area receives, and the available space. Also, ensure that your trellis or pergola is sturdy enough to support the growth of your chosen climbing plants.

Ways to Style Trellises in the Garden

Styling trellises in the garden can add beauty, functionality, and structure to your outdoor space. Here are various ways to style trellises:

• Place trellises strategically to create privacy screens. Encourage fast-growing, dense vines or climbing plants to cover the trellis, forming a living wall that shields your garden from prying eyes.

• Install trellises as archways over garden paths or entrances. Let climbing plants create a stunning, living canopy, transforming your garden into a whimsical, fairytale-like space.

• Use trellises to support vegetable plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peas. Vertical gardening saves space and makes harvesting easier.

• Train fruit trees, such as apple or pear trees, along trellises in a flat, two-dimensional form known as espalier. This method maximizes space and showcases the trees’ blossoms and fruit.

• Attach hanging planters to trellises for a tiered effect. Plant a variety of flowers, herbs, or succulents in the planters to create a vibrant and textured garden feature.

• Place a trellis as a focal point in your garden. Train a distinctive climbing plant or flowering vine to grow on it, drawing attention to a specific area of your outdoor space. Get creative with trellises by arranging them into artistic shapes or patterns. Use them to spell out words, form geometric shapes, or create abstract art within your garden.

• Combine trellises with benches, arbors, or pergolas to create functional garden structures. These combinations offer seating areas and shade while allowing climbing plants to flourish.

• Showcase garden art on trellises. Hang garden sculptures, wind chimes, or outdoor artwork to create an outdoor art gallery within your garden. Change the appearance of your trellises seasonally. Decorate them with seasonal wreaths, lights, or ornaments for holidays and special occasions.

• Attach birdhouses or bird feeders to trellises to attract wildlife to your garden. Watching birds can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your outdoor space.

• Train herbs or edible plants on trellises for a vertical herb garden. This not only saves space but also provides easy access to fresh herbs for cooking.

• Combine trellises with outdoor lighting. Install string lights or lanterns on the trellises to illuminate your garden in the evening, creating a cozy ambiance.

Tips for Choosing Climbing Plants for Your Garden

Selecting the right climbing plants for your garden can enhance its beauty, provide privacy, and add vertical interest. Here are some tips to help you choose the best climbing plants for your garden:

Consider Your Garden’s Conditions: Evaluate your garden’s conditions, including sunlight, soil type, and climate. Some climbing plants prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade. Choose plants that are well-suited to your specific conditions for the best results.

Think about whether you want climbing plants that provide year-round interest or those that are seasonal. Some climbers, like clematis, bloom in specific seasons, while others, like evergreen vines, offer year-round greenery.

Determine the Purpose: Decide why you want climbing plants in your garden. Is it for decoration, privacy, shade, or to cover an unsightly structure? Different climbing plants serve different purposes, so knowing your goal will help you make the right choice.

Plan for Growth: Consider the size of the space and the growth habit of the plant. Some climbing plants, like wisteria and honeysuckle, can become quite large and may overwhelm a small trellis or pergola. Make sure the plant you choose won’t outgrow its space.

Flowering vs. Foliage: Choose climbing plants with colors and fragrances that complement your garden’s overall design and your personal preferences. Vibrant blooms or scented flowers can add sensory appeal to your garden. Decide whether you want climbing plants primarily for their flowers or foliage. Some, like climbing roses, offer beautiful blooms, while others, like Boston ivy, are valued for their leaves. Some plants provide both.

Native or Exotic: Consider planting native climbing plants as they are often well-suited to local conditions and support local wildlife. However, exotic climbers can also add a unique touch to your garden. Some climbing plants attract beneficial wildlife, such as butterflies or hummingbirds. If you want to encourage specific wildlife in your garden, research plants that serve as hosts or nectar sources.

Seek advice from local garden centers, nurseries, or gardening clubs. They can offer insights into which climbing plants thrive in your area and provide recommendations based on local conditions.

Maintenance Level: Be aware of the maintenance required for different climbing plants. Some may need regular pruning, while others are low-maintenance. Choose plants that align with the amount of care you’re willing to provide.

Check for disease resistance in the climbing plants you consider. Some varieties are more resistant to pests and diseases, saving you time and effort in garden maintenance.

Support Structure: Ensure that your garden has suitable support structures in place, such as trellises, arbors, or pergolas, to accommodate the growth of your chosen climbing plants.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose climbing plants that not only enhance the beauty of your garden but also thrive in your specific environment and meet your gardening goals.