Looking for a quick way to add some vertical interest to your yard? These popular annual climbers might only stick around for one season, but they grow fast enough to cover your garden or balcony in a stunning explosion of color in no time.
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++Snapdragon Vine (Asarina scandens)
Snapdragons aren’t just for flower beds! There’s actually a climbing variety that loves to reach for the sky. If you’re a fan of those classic, delicate blooms, this might be your new favorite climber. It’s perfect for dressing up balconies or chain-link fences. These beauties can reach heights of nearly six feet and bloom consistently from April all the way through October. Just make sure to plant them in a sunny spot that’s protected from harsh winds.
++Scarlet Runner Bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.)
The Scarlet Runner Bean is a classic for a reason. Gardeners love it because it grows incredibly fast, providing a lush screen of deep green leaves in a flash. The fiery red flowers are the real showstoppers, though—their unique shape is actually where the plant gets its name. Give these beans a trellis or some twine to grab onto, and they’ll be at the top before you know it.
++Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia)
If you’re looking for something a little more “out there,” check out the Dutchman’s Pipe. This climber features multicolored, exotic-looking blooms that are sure to be a conversation starter. One of the best things about this plant is that it’s not a sun-worshiper; it actually does quite well in lower light, making it a fantastic choice for those tricky shady or semi-shaded spots in your garden.
++Blue Dawn Flower (Ipomoea indica)
Starting in July, the Blue Dawn Flower begins its show with gorgeous, funnel-shaped blue blossoms. While each individual flower usually only lasts for a single day before fading, the plant is a blooming machine—it constantly pumps out new buds through October. You’ll always have a fresh splash of color to enjoy! These are pretty versatile, too, handling everything from full sun to partial shade.
++Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Nasturtiums are a staple in many annual gardens. Their flowers come in vibrant shades of red and orange that really pop against their unique, round, light-green leaves. They’re fast growers and generally very low-maintenance. They do appreciate nutrient-rich soil, so if you want to see them really take off, a little extra fertilizer or compost will go a long way in supporting that rapid growth.
++Morning Glory (Ipomoea)
If speed is what you’re after, you can’t beat the Morning Glory. It’ll twist itself around fences, railings, or anything else in its path. There are tons of varieties out there in almost every color imaginable, with some blooms reaching up to five inches across! Expect a beautiful display from June through October. Pro tip: mix a little compost into the soil when planting your morning glories to give them a head start.
++Sweet Pea (Lathyrus)
Sweet Peas are famous for their incredible fragrance and delicate, ruffled flowers. They have a wonderful “English cottage garden” feel and look just as good on a balcony as they do climbing a garden shed. They are super easy to grow from seed, and it won’t be long before your garden is filled with their sweet, nostalgic scent.
++Exploding Cucumber (Cyclanthera brachystachya)
Want something truly unique? Try the Exploding Cucumber. Originally from Latin America, this climber grows lightning-fast if you give it a trellis. While the flowers are pretty subtle, the real fun is in the fruit—small, prickly, curved “cucumbers” that appear in massive numbers over the summer. In countries like Brazil, they’re actually a popular snack!