Perennial Climbing Vines for Arbors and Trellises

A mix of ambitious and low-maintenance perennials for the vertical gardener

Perennial climbing vines employ one of three climbing methods: small aerial roots or tendrils, leaves that wrap around an object, and twining. There are also some perennials such as climbing roses that have to be "trained" to climb up arbors or trellises (see our article How to Grow a Climbing Rose on a Trellis for details). If you're planting an aggressive climbing perennial, you'll need to make sure that your garden arbor or trellis is large enough and strong enough to support a plant that will continue growing year after year. If you have a smaller, lightweight arbor or trellis, an annual climbing vine might be a better option for you.

The following are just a few of the perennial climbing vines that can be grown on garden trellises and arbors. Grapes We're listing grapevines first because growing grapes is likely the most ambitious trellis project you could undertake, short of building a replica of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. OK, it's not as difficult as that, but we do recommend talking to a local vineyard and/or picking up a book or two on grape growing before you dive in. You'll also want to look for metal trellises or durable cedar trellises that can support a growing grapevine for 20 years or more. Grapes require plenty of sun, so grape trellises are usually positioned on a south-facing wall. Wisteria Wisteria is known for being a hyper-aggressive climbing perennial that's second only to the Incredible Hulk among green creatures that inflict building damage. However, American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) is one variant that will grow quickly without being as overwhelming. It's also a fast bloomer, and its purplish flowers are very pretty.

Climbing hydrangea

Climbing hydrangea is tolerant of shade, a terrific climber, and requires very little pruning - three good reasons why it's one of the more popular perennials for shade-providing arbors. It's a woody climbing vine with white flowers, dark green leaves, and twisting stems that provide visual interest all year round.

Clematis

There are many different varieties of clematis that would provide explosive color in spring, summer, or even fall in the case of Sweet Autumn. Clematis' shallow roots need to be shaded. It's a twining plant that can get top-heavy, so look for a tall, strong trellis with a somewhat narrowly spaced lattice.

Variegated porcelain vine

Variegated porcelain vine is one of the most visually interesting perennial vines. The porcelain refers to the porcelain quality of its color-changing berries, but its leaves are also distinctive, with splashes of creamy white. Variegated porcelain vine relies on tendrils for its rapid growth.