Introduction
Trellises are a popular and practical way to support climbing plants which allows them to grow vertically and conserve space in your garden. Not only do they add visual interest and height to your outdoor space, but they can also improve plant health and increase yields. With so many climbing plants to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know which ones are best suited for your trellis. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the top 17 trellis plants that are not only easy to grow but also stunning in appearance.
Where to buy trellis for garden
How to train plants on a trellis (Step by Step)
- Start by planting the plant close to the trellis or gently tying the stems to the trellis using plant ties or soft twine.
- As the plant grows, gently guide the stems towards the trellis and tie them in place using the same plant ties or twine.
- Continue to guide and tie the stems to the trellis as they grow, encouraging them to climb and cover the trellis evenly.
- Regularly prune any damaged or wayward stems to maintain a neat and tidy appearance.
- Once the plant is fully trained, continue to monitor it and adjust the ties as necessary to ensure it stays securely in place.
17 Best Climbing Plants for Trellis
Clematis
Clematis is a climbing plant that can add beauty to any garden when grown on trellises. To grow them successfully, choose a sturdy trellis and provide well-draining soil. They need to be watered regularly and pruned in late winter or early spring. Clematis grows best when it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Fertilize with slow-release or liquid fertilizer during the growing season and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Morning Glory
Morning glory is an annual flowering vine that does best when it grows in full sun and well-draining soil. They are best grown from seeds to start growing them on trellises early. Sow seeds directly into the ground or containers and keep the soil moist until germination. Once established, water regularly but avoid overwatering. Train the vines onto the trellis as they grow and provide support as needed. Morning glory blooms in the morning and prefers slightly cooler temperatures, making it a great addition to a morning sun-facing trellis.
Honeysuckle
Growing honeysuckle on trellises is not very difficult. To grow them successfully, they need to receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily and be grown in moist and well-draining soil. Honeysuckle blooms in the summer producing fragrant and colorful flowers. To promote new growth and control the plant’s size, prune in the late winter or early spring.
Climbing Hydrangea
Growing climbing hydrangea on trellises can be challenging as it needs more time to establish itself and start climbing. Climbing Hydrangea can be sensitive to drought and prefers a shaded area and well-draining soil. It is best to provide support for the vines to climb when they are young to avoid damage to the plant. Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Wisteria
Growing Wisteria on trellises can be quite challenging as it can be quite vigorous and heavy, so the trellis needs to be strong enough to support its weight. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Regular pruning is essential to prevent the plant from becoming too woody and to promote flowering. It is best to prune Wisteria in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. While it may take a few years for Wisteria to start blooming, it can be a stunning addition to any trellis once it starts producing its signature cascading clusters of purple or white flowers.
Jasmine
Jasmine can be a bit tricky to train to grow on a trellis as it tends to be more of a twining vine and may require some tying to encourage it to climb up the trellis. But with some effort, it can be done. Jasmine prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Water it regularly but avoid overwatering, and fertilize it every few weeks during the growing season. It can be pruned lightly after flowering to promote bushiness and prevent legginess.
Climbing Roses
Climbing roses can be challenging to grow on trellises. They require good support, and their long canes must be tied to the trellis regularly. It’s important to choose a trellis that can withstand the weight of the climbing rose and to ensure that the trellis is securely anchored to the ground. When planting climbing roses, make sure they have enough space to grow and receive plenty of sunlight. Prune them regularly to encourage new growth and remove dead or diseased canes. Water them deeply but infrequently to promote healthy root growth.
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is quite easy to grow on trellises. To do it successfully, start by selecting a sturdy support structure and planting the vine near the base of the trellis. As it grows, gently tie the stems to the trellis using soft twine or plant ties. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is important to prune your bougainvillea to encourage new growth. Water regularly and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season for the lush blooms.
Virginia Creeper
Virginia creepers are a fast-growing vine that can easily be grown on trellises. Virginia creepers grow best on well-draining soil with ample space for the plant to spread. When planting the vine at the base of the trellis, provide a support system to guide the vine to grow in the desired direction. Virginia creepers can grow quite vigorously so regular pruning may be required to maintain their size and shape.
Passionflower
Passionflower is a beautiful plant and is relatively easy to grow on trellises. It produces intricate flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early autumn. Passionflower prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, and fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. To train it on a trellis, tie the vines loosely to the structure with soft twine or garden tape. It is also important to regularly prune the plant to control its growth and promote healthy blooms.
Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Trumpet vine is a hardy, fast-growing perennial that produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange, red, and yellow. It is relatively easy to grow on trellises and can quickly cover a large area with its vigorous growth habit. To grow it successfully on a trellis, provide a sturdy support structure and ensure that the soil is well-draining. Trumpet vine prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Water regularly, especially during the hot summer months, and prune back any dead or damaged growth in the spring. Be aware that trumpet vine can become invasive, so it’s important to keep it in check and prevent it from spreading too far.
Kiwi Vine
Kiwi vines are vigorous climbers and are easy to grow on trellises. To grow them successfully, you will need to choose a sunny, well-draining location with fertile soil. Plant the vines in early spring and provide them with a sturdy trellis for support. Train the vines to climb the trellis by tying them to the support structure as they grow. Water them regularly and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.
Black-Eyed Susan Vine
Black-Eyed Susan Vine is a beautiful climbing plant that is easy to grow on trellises. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Plant the vines in early spring and provide them with a sturdy trellis for support. The vines will quickly climb the trellis on their own, but you can guide them in the right direction if needed. Water the plants regularly, but avoid overwatering as the soil should dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.
Dutchman’s Pipe
The Dutchman’s Pipe is a unique and fast-growing vine that is perfect for trellises. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil. Plant the vines in early spring and provide them with a sturdy trellis for support. The vines will twine around the trellis on their own. Water the plants regularly and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks. Prune the vines in late winter to control their growth and shape the plant.
Climbing Geranium
Climbing Geraniums are a delightful climbing plant that is easy to grow on trellises. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Plant the vines in early spring and provide them with a sturdy trellis for support. The vines will twine around the trellis naturally. Water the plants regularly, but avoid overwatering. Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks. Prune the vines in late winter to control their growth and shape the plant.
Climbing Snapdragon
Climbing Snapdragon, also known as Maurandya is a stunning climbing plant that is easy to grow on trellises. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Plant the vines in early spring and provide them with a sturdy trellis for support. The vines will twine around the trellis on their own. Water the plants regularly and allow the soil should dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.
Climbing Petunia
Climbing Petunias are a beautiful and easy-to-grow climbing plant that is perfect for trellises. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Plant the vines in early spring and provide them with a sturdy trellis for support. The vines will twine around the trellis on their own. Water the plants regularly, but avoid overwatering, as the soil should dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks. Pinch the growing tips regularly to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Climbing Petunias produce abundant, trumpet-shaped flowers in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, white, and red, making it a great addition to any garden.
FAQ
How many clematis plants per trellis?
Generally, one clematis plant can cover an area of about 2-3 square feet meaning one clematis plant per square foot of trellis space. However, if you want a fuller display, you can plant multiple clematis plants per trellis spacing them about 12-18 inches apart
When to trellis tomatoes?
Tomatoes should be trellised as soon as they start to grow. You should up the trellis before planting the tomatoes so that they can be trained to grow up the trellis from the start.
How many plants per trellis?
One plant per square foot of trellis space is appropriate.
How many cucumber plants per trellis?
Not more than two cucumber plants per square foot of trellis space in order for cucumbers to be able to grow well.
Will metal trellis burn plants?
Metal trellises can get quite hot when exposed to direct sunlight and may potentially cause burns when coming into contact with the plant. However, this is unlikely to happen if the trellis is properly installed and positioned in a shaded area or away from direct sunlight. It is always a good idea to monitor the plants and the trellis for any signs of damage.
Are vine plants poisonous to cats?
Some vine plants can be toxic to cats, so it’s important to research the specific plant before introducing it into your home or garden. Popular vine plants like English ivy, pothos, and philodendrons are toxic to cats, and ingesting these plants can cause digestive issues, skin irritation, or more serious health problems.
Why are trellises necessary?
Trellises are necessary for climbing plants as they provide a support system for the plants to grow vertically. This improves air circulation and sun exposure, leading to healthier plants with higher yields. Trellises also help to conserve space in smaller gardens and make harvesting easier by elevating the plants off the ground.
