Most Popular Climbing Plants

Climbing plants, unlike a number of traditional plants, all share one thing in common – they require the support of objects or other plants to reach sunlight.

There are plenty of species to choose from, and all can bring your garden to life in a unique way.

10 of the most popular climbing plants

Of all the climbing species to choose from, we’ve listed some of the most popular below:

1. Pileostegia viburnoides

This self-clinging, shade-accepting evergreen boasts an abundance of pretty white flowers, which bloom in late summer. Despite having a slower rate of growth to that of other climbing plants, it requires little maintenance once established.

2. Hydrangea anomala Petiolaris

Despite shedding its leaves on an annual basis, when in season, this specie can cover large surface spaces with vibrant, sizeable, green leaves, which are complemented by delicate white, lace-cap blooms. If you have an empty area you’d like to conceal, this is the climbing plant for you.

3. Parthenocissus henryana

Indigenous to China, this Virginia creeper boasts attractive, multi-coloured leaves that transform into bright shades of red come autumn. This self-clinging specie is able to withstand the shade of a north-facing wall.

4. Jasminum nudiflorum

This particular specie flowers profusely in both the early spring and winter months. However, in order to keep it under control, it’s important to prune immediately after flowering.

5. Lonicerax tellmanniana

What this climbing plant lacks in fragrance, it makes up for in rich, hot-hued orange flowers. To prune, you should remove the flowers annually.

6. Cobaea scandens

The most enthusiastic of all annual climbing plants, this specie thrives in a frost-free climate. Its bell-shaped flowers can cover an astounding area.

7. Schizophragma integrifolium

Celebrated for its sizable, shapely blooms, this climbing plant can grow to an impressive six metres in height.

8. Actinidia kolomikta

This climbing plant is a relative of the kiwi tree. It is famous for its unique leaves, which look a little like they have been plunged in white paint, then spray-painted a hot bubble-gum pink shade.

9. Hedera algeriensis‘Gloire de Marengo’

If you wish to inject colour onto a dark, shaded wall, this climbing plant is an ideal option. The energetic, self-clinging, flexible plant boasts high-shine leaves tinted with white.

10. Trachelospermum jasminoides

This climbing plant boasts a powerful fragrance that is similar to that of jasmine. When placed against a sun-drenched wall, it’s an extremely hardy plant.

How to grow indoor climbing plants

Houseplants add colour and vibrancy to the home, by bringing a little of the outdoors inside. Indoor climbing plants are no exception. Growing climbing plants and vines inside is easy when you know how, but it is important to choose the right specie. We’ve listed a few of the more popular choices below…

Philodendron – One of the most conventional indoor climbing plants comes from the large Philodendron genus. Indoor climbing plants boast aerial roots, which sit alongside the stem. These roots are able to attach themselves to supportive surfaces and are traditionally grown in hanging pots. For best results, this particular specie should be grown out of direct sunlight. They require sporadic watering and infrequent feeding, which makes the Philodendron an extremely low maintenance option.

Swedish Ivy – Swedish ivy, often nicknamed ‘Creeping Charlie’ boasts scalloped, high-shine, lengthy green foliage. It grows extremely quickly and is able to tolerate low to moderate light, and prefers to be placed next to a window. It’s traditionally grown in a hanging basket.

Pothos – Pothos, often nicknamed ‘Devil’s Ivy’ or ‘Scindapsus Aureus’ boasts heart-shaped leaves, tinged with white and yellow. This adaptable plant can grow six inches wide with leaves measuring between two and four inches. This climbing plant can be grown in a hanging basket or in an upright support or ‘totem’. Growing Pothos indoors is extremely easy, as the plant thrives in any light, requires just enough water to prevent wilting and necessitates pruning only if you wish to restrain the vine’s length.

Caring for indoor climbing plants

Just like outdoor climbing plants, indoor climbing vines need to be clipped back regularly in order to prevent them from taking over. On top of this, pruning indoor and outdoor climbers promotes a healthier appearance and plentiful blooms. For best results, you should prune climbing plants in the spring, prior to the onset of new growth. If the plants are extremely quick growing, you may need to prune them again in the autumn. They should be cut just above the node.

Indoor vines also require something to climb on; alternatively, they can be planted in a hanging basket. They’re extremely versatile and can be encouraged to grow around windows, over doors, down walls or along the edges of mantle pieces.

You should never overwater houseplants, particularly indoor climbing plants, as this can cause detrimental effects. Instead, wait until the soil is completely dry before watering them. However, for best results and to encourage healthy growth, fertilisation is a must, particularly during the growing season. If the plant becomes too big for the pot, you should replant in a pot measuring two sizes above that of the previous vessel.

Caring for outdoor climbing plants

Certain climbers, including the Virginia Creeper and Ivy naturally cling to surfaces via their aerial roots. However, twining climbing plants, including Clematis and Honeysuckle variants require a framework to journey over. Wall shrubs on the other hand won’t climb naturally and require training – tying them to a support can encourage their route.

All outdoor climbing plants necessitate some training initially. For best results, plant new climbing plants between 30cm and 45cm away from the base of a fence or wall, as this will allow rain to reach the roots of the plant. To provide support to the plant, use both trellis and wire, or soft garden twine for new shoots. As the plants become established, you must ensure the garden structures can withstand their weight, as with age, they can become extremely heavy!

Sources: gardensillustrated.com, gardeningknowhow.com