Types of Climbing Plants for Your Garden

People often think you need a huge house with a giant yard for a beautiful garden. But it couldn’t be further from the truth! If you live in the city, you just need a little free space for climbing plants. In our post today, we’ll fill you in on the best kinds for natural decor.

What’s there to know about climbing plants?

First off, we suggest learning about basic gardening. While you don’t need to be an expert, you’ll need to know the basic needs of the plants that you want in your garden.

Climbing plants are a very adaptable plant group because they’ve evolved over the years and adjusted to different conditions along the way.

One of their main characteristics are their aerial roots that allow them to climb up walls, fences, pergolas or columns. Some even continue upwards towards ceilings. In any case, you should keep their main stalk in the ground by planting them there.

What kinds of plants should you plant in your garden?

Climbing plants are a perfect added beauty for gardens or yards— even for small decks. These plants can add that natural touch you need if you live in the city. Or if you’re not in the city, they’re sure to be the envy of your neighbors. Here are some of our suggestions:

1. Boston Ivy

Besides “Boston Ivy”, this climbing plant can go by different names such as “Grape Ivy” or “Japanese Creeper” as well. The latter says a lot about what it does… creeps closely along walls!

The Boston Ivy is a plant that grows quickly and abundantly. Consequently, it needs light trims every once in a while.

This beauty turns orange and red in autumn and looks great with country home decor or similar style patio furniture.

2. California Wildrose

The California Wildrose is a shrub native to the United States and Mexico that thrives in arid conditions or hills in a dry area. It can even withstand droughts.

The Wildrose grows in bushes with curved, thorny stems and can reach up to two meters in height. In autumn, the plant loses its leaves while in spring, fragrant flowers bloom.

3. Chinese Wisteria

Wisteria is famous for its purple flowers and lovely fragrance that fill the summer air. A healthy plant that’s lived through various summers can cover the walls or a fencing wall around a home as well.

You’ll need to keep wisteria away from your roof tiles and gutters to prevent any possible damage. Don’t forget that wisteria seeds are poisonous.

4. Night-blooming Jessamine

This variety is one of the most beautiful kinds of climbing plants around. The white buds open at dusk and close at dawn.

5. Ivy

Ivy’s always had a bad reputation, but can actually be a gorgeous climbing plant option for your garden. It’s quite resilient to weather changes and dry spells.

6. Climbing plants: Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is sometimes referred to as the “paper flower”, hails from Brazil and prefers humid, rainy climates.

This plant is always green, thorny and full of branches. It grows quickly and can reach a height of 10 meters. You’ll need to attach it to supports on your wall. Bougainvillea flowers are especially beautiful and can range from tones of red, pink, yellow, purple and magenta.

Here are other climbing plants that can work in your garden, balcony or patio: morning glory (although they only live for one year in colder climates), passionflowers (their petals can be various colors and have purple stigmas, and creeping fig (white or yellow leaves but unable to withstand freezing temperatures.)