A trellis is a great way of adding vertical interest. It creates privacy and a striking focal point within a garden. Especially when space is at a premium. Adding climbing plants to a trellis can transform it into a delightful, living feature.
But it’s important to choose the right type of climber. Match the size and construction of the trellis. Too large or vigorous a plant could quickly swamp the trellis. In some cases, it could bring the trellis down!
Advantages
Climbing plants can:
- Add height and depth to gardens of all sizes.
- Provide shade and privacy when grown densely.
- Attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds.
- Soften hard landscaping with natural greenery.
But do bear in mind a few factors when choosing your climber. Consider the amount of available space and soil type. Think about sun or part shade. Also assess how much maintenance you’re prepared to do.
Understanding how climbers climb
Climbers have different ways of attaching themselves to structures. This can affect the type of trellis or support they might need:
- Twiners wrap their stems around supports and climb better with netting, thinner canes, or narrow trellis slats. Examples are honeysuckle, morning glory and sweet peas.
- Tendrils use small side-shoots to cling. They prefer mesh, netting, or narrow wires spaced 15–20 cm apart. Examples are clematis, peas and grapevines.
- Clingers will grow up trellis without any help using aerial roots or sticky pads! They can however damage wooden structure and are better suited to walls or very sturdy frames. Examples are ivy and the climbing hydrangea.
- Ramblers & Scramblers don’t climb on their own and need tying in with garden twine or clips. So a strong trellis is essential. Examples are climbing roses.
Match the plant to the trellis
Light trellises such as decorative wooden panels and fan shape trellis
- Best climbers: Sweet peas, annual morning glory, small-flowered clematis.
- Why: These structures are too delicate for heavy plants. Stick to lighter annuals or compact perennials.
Medium trellises such as sturdy wooden frames and lattice panels
- Best climbers: Clematis hybrids, honeysuckle, jasmine.
- Why: These plants are vigorous enough to cover a panel without being so heavy that they risk collapse. Regular pruning will keep them manageable.
Heavy duty trellises or wire frameworks such as strong timber, metal supports or wall-mounted wires
- Best climbers: Climbing roses, grapevines, wisteria.
- Why: These are powerful growers that need firm support. A strong trellis or wire system ensures they can be trained safely without damage.
Consider scale and purpose
For small gardens choose compact climbers like Clematis alpina which provide cover without overwhelming the space.
If screening and privacy is the aim, choose vigorous plants like honeysuckle. Evergreen star jasmine will give dense coverage on a privacy trellis.
Adding climbing edibles such as French and runner beans will give seasonal interest. They benefit pollinating insects and give you an edible crop!
Care basics
- Training Tie in new shoots regularly with soft twine, guiding them horizontally or diagonally to encourage dense growth.
- Feeding Use a general fertiliser in spring and switch to a high-potash feed during flowering/fruiting season.
- Pruning Each climber has its own requirement; clematis groups are particularly specific so check before cutting back. Correct pruning keeps plants healthy and productive.
Climbing roses add romance, are elegant and timeless. Avoid rambling roses as they generally tend to grow extremely tall!
Cultivars like ‘The Generous Gardener’ and ‘New Dawn’ are reliable choices.
Top tip – Train stems horizontally along the trellis to encourage more side shoots and flowers.
Clematis are loved for their variety of vigour, colours, shapes, and flowering seasons from spring to late summer.
Large-flowered hybrids such as ‘Dr Ruppel’ create a show-stopping effect, whilst smaller flowered varieties like ‘Princess Diana’ provide delicate charm.
Top Tip – Clematis love to have roots in the shade and their flowers in the sun. Keep roots cool with mulch, ground cover plants or a large stone.
Honeysuckle
With sweetly scented flowers, honeysuckle is a wildlife magnet, attracting bees during the day and moths at night. It’s vigorous and perfect for covering larger trellises quickly.
Top Tip – Trim back after flowering to keep growth in check.
Jasmine
For fragrance lovers, jasmine is hard to beat. Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is evergreen and produces beautifully scented white flowers in summer.
Top Tip – Plant in a sheltered, sunny spot, in fertile, free-draining soil.
Sweet peas
If you’re looking for a seasonal splash of colour, annual sweet peas are unbeatable. They’re quick to climb and produce vibrant blooms. They smell heavenly. There are many sweet-smelling cultivars to choose from.
Top Tip – Make sure to pick all flowers regularly as failing to do so stops the plant producing more!
Vines
By their nature, vines are vigorous climbers and should only be chosen if your structure is strong, sturdy and large. The thought of having your own grapevine is an appealing one; either desert or wine varieties. Choose hardy varieties and, once established will be reasonably easy to care for. Their large leaves also provide natural summer shade.
Top Tip – Prune in summer and winter to keep vines productive.
Trellis Growing Tips
Tie stems loosely with soft twine rather than wire. Wire could cut into expanding stems. Guide plant stems as they grow.
Enrich soil with compost before planting to encourage strong, healthy growth.
Regular pruning done at the right time of year will encourage better flowering as well as controlling growth.
Maintenance
- Feeding: Most climbers benefit from a balanced fertiliser in spring and a high-potash feed during the flowering season.
- Watering: Young plants need consistent watering until established. Once mature, most are reasonably drought-tolerant.
- Training: Use soft garden ties to secure stems, checking regularly to avoid damage as plants grow.
- Pruning: Follow species-specific pruning advice to encourage flowers and prevent overcrowding.
- Pests and diseases: Watch for aphids, powdery mildew, and in roses, black spot. Early intervention is key.
A trellis covered in climbing plants will add structure, softness, and sensory appeal. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of roses. Perhaps the fragrance of jasmine. Or the vibrant colours of sweet peas. There’s a climber to suit every space and style.
With the right care, your trellis could change from a support structure. It can become a vertical masterpiece. It will be alive with beauty season after season.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1 – What climbers are best for light trellises?
Choose lightweight climbers for decorative or thin trellis panels. Sweet peas, annual morning glory, and small-flowered clematis give colour without overloading supports.
2 – How do I match a climber to my trellis?
Match trellis strength to the plant’s vigour and climbing method. Twiners and tendrils like netting or narrow slats; clingers and ramblers need strong frames and fixing points.
3 – When is the best time to plant climbers?
Plant in spring or early autumn for easy establishment in UK gardens. Avoid frozen or waterlogged soil, and water regularly until roots establish.
4 – How do I train climbers on a trellis?
Tie in new shoots with soft twine, spacing ties to avoid stem damage. Guide stems horizontally or diagonally to increase flowering and create dense, even coverage. Check clematis pruning groups before cutting.
5 – Which climbers give privacy and year-round cover?
For evergreen cover, try star jasmine, evergreen honeysuckle, or carefully managed ivy. For fast screening, use honeysuckle or climbing roses on sturdy trellis with regular pruning.
David Domoney is a Chartered Horticulturalist, Broadcaster, and Author. David has worked with a number of the UK’s leading garden retailers as a plant buyer and strategic consultant. With more than 30 years experience, in horticulture, David is as passionate about plants now as he was when he bought his first plant at a village fete.
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