So, you’re looking to dress up your pergola, garden shed, or the side of your house with some lush climbing plants, but you want more than just a single vine. You’re aiming for that perfect, layered look! The big question is: which plants actually play nice together and look great as a duo?
What are the best climbing plant combos?
One classic, stunning pair is grape vines (Vitis) mixed with climbing roses. If you’re looking for something a bit more rustic, try pairing rambler roses with ivy. For a pop of seasonal color, you can mix hardy perennials like Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus) with bright annuals like Black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia alata). Pro tip: plant your annuals in separate containers nearby so you can give them specific fertilizer and easily swap them out in the fall.
Keep in mind that Virginia Creeper is a fast grower and can be a bit of a bully to its neighbors. If you want to give it a roommate, choose something equally vigorous like a Clematis montana or a climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala) to make sure neither plant gets totally smothered.
What should I keep in mind when mixing climbers?
The biggest mistake gardeners make is pairing plants with totally different “personalities.” For example, English Ivy (Hedera) and grape vines look gorgeous together in the fall, but they rarely thrive in the same spot. Ivy loves the shade, while grapes are total sun-worshippers. Instead, try pairing those climbing roses with your grape vines—they both love soaking up the sun and have very similar needs, making them a match made in heaven.
What goes well with climbing hydrangeas?
Climbing hydrangeas are powerhouse growers. Because they take up so much real estate, they can easily overwhelm other climbers. Instead of trying to force another vine into the same space, try planting “companion plants” right at their feet. This creates a beautiful layered look without the plants fighting for survival. For those snowy white hydrangea blooms, I love adding a splash of color with Purple Coneflower (Echinacea), Delphinium, Irises, or even some vibrant red shrub roses.
Level up your garden with annual climbers
If you have a sturdy, leafy climber like ivy or climbing hydrangea, you can easily brighten it up with some delicate annuals. You’ve got so many fun options here, from Morning Glories to Nasturtiums. When picking your “guest” plant, check the blooming schedules. You can either time them to bloom all at once for a massive floral show or stagger them so your garden stays colorful from late spring all the way through autumn!