Climbing plants are the ultimate garden multitaskers—they turn boring bare walls into lush masterpieces and wrap around trellises to create beautiful, blooming privacy screens. To help you level up your vertical garden game, I’ve rounded up seven of the most popular climbers, plus a little “insider tip” at the end!
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++Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus)
If you want your garden to smell like a dream, Sweet Peas are a must-have. These fragrant annuals are fast growers, reaching anywhere from 2 to 5 feet in a single season. Once you sow them in early May in a sunny or partially shaded spot, they’ll start showing off their delicate, butterfly-like blooms in shades of white, pink, red, and purple by June. Because they grow so vigorously, they’re pretty hungry and thirsty plants—make sure to fertilize them regularly and keep the soil nice and moist.
++Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata)
With its charming dark-centered flowers and dense green foliage, the Black-Eyed Susan vine is a fan favorite for quick privacy. It’s not unusual for this climber to put on 8 inches of new growth in a single week! It naturally winds itself counter-clockwise around poles, wires, or trellises. While the classic orange-with-a-black-center is a staple, newer varieties come in solid colors without the “eye.” For the best flower show, give it a warm, sunny spot protected from the wind.
++Hops (Humulus lupulus)
Hops aren’t just for brewing beer—they are incredibly decorative! This perennial dies back to the ground in winter and shoots up again every spring from its rootstock. These vines are speed demons, growing up to a foot a day as they cling to ropes or trellises. This makes Hops a fantastic choice for creating natural shade over sunny patios or pergolas. In the fall, you’ll get those iconic hop cones, which look amazing in autumn wreaths and floral arrangements.
++Wisteria (Wisteria)
Starting in late May, Wisteria puts on a show that’s hard to beat, with cascading flower clusters that can reach up to 20 inches long. This climber can reach heights of 30 feet and gets very heavy over time, so sturdy support is non-negotiable from day one. Wisteria loves the heat, so find it a sunny, sheltered spot. Just a heads-up: you might need a little patience. It’s common for Wisteria to take a few years to settle in before it starts blooming.
++English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is the ultimate “set it and forget it” climber. It’s super adaptable and thrives anywhere with decent soil. It’s a self-climber, meaning it uses tiny aerial roots to “glue” itself to walls and fences. It’s perfect for a year-round privacy screen. While the classic dark green is great, check out varieties like “White Ripple” (variegated white and green) or “Goldheart” (yellow centers) to add a pop of color to shady corners.
++Passionflower (Passiflora)
There are about 500 species of Passionflower, and some are surprisingly hardy! These exotic-looking vines love a sheltered spot, like a trellis right against the house or on the edge of a patio. The flowers are truly out of this world. The Blue Passionflower, for example, features a stunning blue fringe over white petals, while the Maypop (Passiflora incarnata) sports a light blue corona with pinkish-green sepals. They definitely bring a tropical vibe to any backyard.
++Clematis (Clematis)
Often called the “Queen of Climbers,” Clematis comes in over 300 different species and varieties. Because different types bloom at different times, you can actually mix and match varieties to have flowers all season long. The golden rule for Clematis? “Cold feet, hot head.” They love having their roots shaded (by mulch or smaller plants) while their vines and flowers soak up the sun.
%%Ornamental Gourds (Cucurbita)
Here’s my secret tip: Ornamental gourds! These annual climbers are incredibly vigorous and can cover a trellis in no time if given a warm, sunny spot. While the flowers are pretty, the real prize comes in the fall when the vines are covered in small, funky-shaped fruits. They aren’t for eating, but they look fantastic in the garden and make the best DIY fall decor for your home. It’s a fun, unexpected way to add some vertical interest to your space!