Guide to Climbing Flowers

Climbing flowers are plants that use walls, trellises, fences, or other structures for support, growing upward instead of outward. They’re excellent for adding height, covering unsightly spaces, and creating natural shade or privacy.

How Climbers Grow

Climbing plants use different methods to ascend:

• Twiners: Stems wrap around supports (e.g., morning glory, wisteria).

• Tendrils: Leaf or stem extensions curl around (e.g., sweet peas, passionflower).

• Clinging roots: Aerial roots attach to surfaces (e.g., climbing hydrangea, ivy).

• Hooks/Thorns: Prickles or thorns latch onto supports (e.g., climbing roses, bougainvillea).

Popular Flowering Climbers

1. Clematis

• Features: Star-shaped flowers in many colors, long blooming season.

• Growth: Uses leaf petioles to climb.

• Best for: Trellises, fences, pergolas.

• Tip: Needs cool roots and sun on the flowers—plant low-growing shrubs at the base.

2. Climbing Roses

• Features: Large, fragrant blooms; classic romantic look.

• Growth: Long canes tied to support.

• Best for: Arches, pergolas, walls.

• Tip: Train canes horizontally to encourage more blooms.

3. Wisteria

• Features: Cascading clusters of purple, blue, or white flowers in spring.

• Growth: Strong twining stems.

• Best for: Large pergolas, sturdy walls.

• Tip: Needs strong support and annual pruning to keep in check.

4. Morning Glory (Ipomoea)

• Features: Fast-growing annual, trumpet-shaped blooms in pink, purple, blue, or white.

• Growth: Twining stems.

• Best for: Quick coverage of fences and trellises.

• Tip: Soak seeds before planting to speed germination.

5. Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)

• Features: Fragrant blooms in pastel shades.

• Growth: Tendrils latch onto netting or mesh.

• Best for: Seasonal arches, trellises.

• Tip: Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering.

6. Passionflower (Passiflora)

• Features: Exotic, intricate flowers; some varieties bear edible fruit.

• Growth: Tendrils.

• Best for: Warm, sunny walls or fences.

• Tip: Needs shelter in cooler climates.

7. Bougainvillea

• Features: Vibrant bracts in purple, pink, orange, or red.

• Growth: Thorny stems lean on supports.

• Best for: Warm climates; walls, trellises, containers.

• Tip: Drought-tolerant, thrives in full sun.

8. Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris)

• Features: White lace-cap flowers, lush foliage.

• Growth: Clinging aerial roots.

• Best for: Shady walls and fences.

• Tip: Slow to start, but vigorous once established.

Choosing the Right Climber

When selecting a climbing flower, consider:

• Climate: Tropical bougainvillea vs. cold-hardy clematis.

• Space: Small fences suit annuals; pergolas need strong perennials.

• Sun/Shade: Roses love sun, while climbing hydrangea tolerates shade.

• Maintenance: Some need heavy pruning (wisteria), others are low-care.

Growing & Care Tips

• Provide strong support early—plants are hard to move later.

• Water deeply at the roots; avoid wetting foliage to prevent disease.

• Mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool.

• Prune according to the plant type to encourage flowering.

• Train stems gently with ties or clips.

With the right climbing flowers, you can transform bare walls, pergolas, or fences into living, blooming displays that change through the seasons.