When it comes to climbing plants, there are some real sun-worshippers out there just waiting to dress up your walls, fences, and pergolas. Today, I’m sharing seven of the most popular climbers for sunny spots, plus a little “insider tip” at the end that you’re going to love.
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++Morning Glory (Ipomoea)
This fast-growing vine originally hails from the tropics, so it absolutely craves the heat. Since Morning Glories aren’t fully cold-hardy, most of us grow them as annuals. Don’t let that fool you, though—they can easily hit heights of ten feet in a single season! With their spiraling tendrils, they’ll happily find their own way up chain-link fences, wires, or twine. Depending on the variety, you can find them in stunning shades of sky blue, crimson, pink, deep violet, or wine red.
++Climbing Rose (Rosa)
Whether they’re arching over a rose arbor or brightening up a bare wall, climbing roses are a fragrant, show-stopping addition to any garden. This category includes both repeat-bloomers and “rambler” roses (which usually have one massive bloom cycle). Both types need a sturdy support system like a trellis to help them reach for the sky. Pro tip: Try to plant them in a spot with good air circulation; trapped heat and damp leaves are an open invitation for pests and fungus.
++Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata)
This annual climber is a speed demon, growing up to eight inches a week! It’ll cover a pergola, fence, or trellis in no time. Starting in late May, you’ll see those iconic yellow or orange flowers with the dark centers. Fun fact: Some newer cultivars have actually ditched the “black eye” and come in solid shades of white, yellow, or bright orange.
++Grapevine (Vitis vinifera)
If you have a spot with full, blazing sun, a grapevine is a fantastic choice. They grow surprisingly fast and reward you with delicious fruit in the fall. Just keep in mind that grapes need plenty of elbow room—a single established vine can eventually cover up to 1,000 square feet of wall space! A sturdy trellis is a must to help guide the heavy branches.
++Wisteria (Wisteria)
Originally from East Asia, Wisteria can turn any pergola into a fragrant, fairytale scene with its cascading flower clusters. Because it produces so much foliage, it gets very heavy, so you’ll need a seriously strong support structure. For the best blooms, give it a sunny, sheltered spot. Just a heads-up: Wisteria requires a bit of patience, as it often takes a few years to start flowering.
++Passionflower (Passiflora)
There are about 400 species of passionflower, but only a few are hardy enough for cooler climates. The most famous is the Blue Passionflower (Passiflora caerulea), which features exotic white petals topped with a purple and blue “crown.” These beauties love a sunny spot protected from the wind—think a walled courtyard or near a greenhouse wall that radiates heat.
++Kiwi (Actinidia)
In Asia, kiwis have been cultivated for over 1,000 years for their fruit and their vines (which were once used to make paper!). They’ve become a garden staple in sunny, milder regions elsewhere, too. These woody, liana-like vines need a strong trellis to support their weight. In June or July, they produce gorgeous creamy-white flowers, which eventually turn into the fuzzy kiwi fruits we harvest in October.
%%Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Here’s my secret tip: the Trumpet Vine. This vigorous sun-lover uses aerial roots (like ivy) but also twines itself around supports. Its pretty, feathery leaves can grow up to 10 inches long and turn a brilliant golden yellow in the fall. From July to September, it pumps out exotic, trumpet-shaped flowers that fade from scarlet at the edges to yellow in the center. For a massive flower show, plant it against a sunny stone wall where it can soak up the heat and really do its thing.