Embrace Height with These Vine-Compatible Vegetation Options
Dreaming of a lush garden in limited ground space? Or perhaps you're eager to optimize garden output without creating an overgrown mess? Enter trellises, your new best mate and the solution to countless gardening issues.
With trellises, plants can climb upwards instead of outwards, transforming even the tiniest spots into breathtaking gardens. But not every plant is cut out for trellis life. Some need extra TLC, while others simply thrive in the vertical climb.
To save you the hassle of trial and error, here's a list of 15 plants perfect for a trellis. They're great for tiny balconies, rooftops, or the slimmest of walkways.
Choosing Our Top Picks
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We scoured online resources, gleaning top tips for garden enthusiasts confined to small spaces or those with just a patio to work with. We selected plants that naturally like to climb, do well in pots or tight spaces, and have proven success on trellises. As a result, you too can turn your area into a beautiful oasis and productive garden with the selections below. You might be surprised to discover which types of vegetables enjoy the upwards grow too!
1. Sweet Peas
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For garden newbies or seasoned green-thumb aficionados, sweet peas should be your go-to plant. Their delightful fragrance, coupled with little effort required, ensures they'll climb happily on a trellis, making your space look fabulous.
These plants thrive best in cool weather, so plant them in early spring or late summer, depending on your climate. They require full sun and well-drained soil. With a simple trellis or netting, these vines can reach up to 6 feet tall, perfect for balcony railings or window boxes.
Water regularly and feed with a balanced fertilizer or compost every few weeks to keep your sweet peas blooming beautifully. As shoots begin to climb, gently tie them for support. However, unlike garden peas, sweet peas are not edible and should be kept away from children and pets.
2. Clematis
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Clematis is a climbing plant that produces large, beautiful flowers in purple, pink, white, and blue. These vines have a preference for wrapping themselves around whatever they can find, so make sure your trellis has thin pieces they can latch onto, like wire, string, or narrow wooden slats.
Plant in full sun on the top and shade at the roots for the best growth. Spring and early summer are optimal planting times, and it adapts well to containers with trellis support. It can also readily climb fences, arches, or wall-mounted lattices.
Clematis vines climb using leaf stems and need a sturdy trellis or wires to wind around. Different varieties bloom at different times, so choose one based on your season and desired color scheme.
3. Morning Glory
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Morning glories are quick-growing vines that produce trumpet-shaped flowers in vibrant colors like blue, purple, and pink. They adore full sun and warm temperatures, so plant them in late spring after the frost danger has passed. They're perfect for fences, trellises, and even hanging baskets with vertical mesh to climb.
Their ability to cover trellises rapidly makes them ideal for quick privacy screens. Keep an eye on them, though – they self-seed prolifically and can become invasive in some regions if left unchecked.
4. Nasturtiums
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Nasturtiums are easy-going, edible plants with bright, cheerful flowers and lily pad-shaped leaves. Some find the licorice flavor appealing for consumption raw or baked into treats like cookies for a pop of color. Various varieties exist, and some, like Tall Climbing nasturtiums, are perfect for vertical growing.
Simply sow the seeds directly outdoors in spring and place them near a trellis or mesh, on which they'll climb naturally with minimal effort. Nasturtiums are valued for their pest-repellent properties and edible nature, making them valuable for small spaces. They thrive in poor soil and don't benefit from fertilizer, which may even decrease blooming.
5. Passionflower
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Passionflower is a stunning vine with unique flowers that will brighten up your space in no time. Native to the southeastern US, it thrives best in warm and sunny locations, making it suitable for balcony trellises or patios with plenty of sunlight.
Consider the potential medicinal benefits in using Passiflora incarnata, a passionflower species, for anxiety and sleep disorders. Provide a sturdy trellis or pergola, as these vines can become quite heavy. Trim them back after flowering to control their growth and encourage new blooms.
6. Climbing Roses
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Climbing roses are classic and romantic, providing beauty and fragrance, perfect if you want both in small vertical spaces. Unlike bush roses, these have long canes that require support. Plant them in late fall or early spring in a sunny spot and train the canes along a trellis for the best blooms.
Climbing roses need regular pruning and training to shape their growth and boost blossoms. With the right support, they can cover walls or archways in 2-3 seasons, making them excellent for enhancing fences or creating floral privacy screens.
7. Cucumbers
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Cucumbers are another great option for trellises. Vertical cucumber growing improves airflow, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Sow seeds after the soil warms up in spring and use netting, wire mesh, or an A-frame trellis for support. They require full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
Trellised cucumbers produce straighter, cleaner fruit and allow for easier harvesting. Vertical growing also frees up container space for other plants underneath. Try bush varieties for smaller setups, while vining types are ideal for larger trellises.
8. Black-eyed Susan Vine
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This cheerful plant gives bright yellow to orange flowers with a black center. Typically grown as an annual in cooler regions, but tropical climates can make it everlasting. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or sow directly after frost danger has passed.
The Black-eyed Susan vine prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade, making it perfect for covering fences, railings, or small obelisks. It grows rapidly and twines around vertical supports without issue.
9. Pole Beans
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Pole beans are a crowd favorite for vertical growth. They require minimal ground space and reward gardeners with nutritious pods. Plant seeds after the soil warms up in spring and use a sturdy teepee, lattice, or netting for support. They'll climb naturally as they grow.
Vertical growing makes harvesting simpler and less labor-intensive, ideal for container gardeners. It's also excellent cover for a replenishing nitrogen levels, making it an outstanding companion for many types of plants.
10. Wisteria
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Wisteria has beautiful hanging flowers that look like purple waterfalls. It's aesthetically pleasing but truly prolific, so if you grow it on a trellis, make sure the trellis is strong, too. Wood or metal works best. It needs a permanent and strong structure like a pergola or arbor for mature vines, as they become quite woody (even looking like a tree). Plant in spring or fall in full sun, and it may take a few years to bloom.
When mature, it's breathtaking, but keep in mind that some species are invasive in certain areas. For small spaces or pots, try American wisteria; it grows slower and is easier to manage than other types.
11. Snap Peas and Snow Peas
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Peas are cool-season climbers that excel in container setups. Plant in mild climates in early spring and again in fall. Use mesh, bamboo stakes, or chicken wire for support to guide their delicate tendrils. Peas don't need much soil depth, another plus for limited space.
Grow peas vertically for better airflow, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Snap peas and snow peas are particularly well-suited for trellis gardening, with a continual harvest if you pick pods regularly. Stagger planting these in the spring and fall for an ongoing delicious harvest.
12. Jasmine
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If you want a fragrant, flowering vine, jasmine is a top pick. It grows well in pots with support and blooms in warm seasons. Plant it in spring in well-draining soil, and provide a trellis or wire to train it up. Choose varieties like Arabian jasmine or star jasmine for container growing.
Jasmine plants also have calming effects, making them a great choice for balconies or windows. Prune lightly after flowering to control the plant's shape and keep it blooming through summer.
13. Bougainvillea
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Bougainvillea is a colorful, drought-tolerant climber for warm climates. It thrives in containers and can climb trellises when tied and trained. Plant in spring or early summer, making sure it gets at least 6 hours of sun daily.
Its blooming improves when it's slightly root-bound, making it suitable for container trellis gardening. Just be cautious – bougainvillea stems have sharp thorns, so gloves are a must for pruning or training.
14. Grapevines
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Grapevines are surprisingly suitable for container and trellis growing. Choose dwarf or patio-friendly varieties, and plant them in spring in rich, well-drained soil. Train them properly using strong support and regular pruning.
Vertical training systems improve fruit exposure to light and air, resulting in better flavor and fewer fungal issues. While grapes take a couple of seasons to produce heavily, the results are worth the wait.
15. Ivy
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English ivy or other ivy varieties are classic climbers that add lush green cover to trellises and walls. They thrive in shade and partial sun, with minimal maintenance required in terms of soil. Just ensure the soil is kept lightly moist and provide a surface for them to latch onto.
Ivy is also good at filtering indoor air pollutants, making it an excellent option for indoor trellis gardens too. However, be aware that ivy can become invasive outdoors, so keep it trimmed and confined to containers when possible.
16. Berries
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There are many vining berry varieties that can thrive in a trellis setup, including raspberries, blackberries, boysenberries, hardy kiwi, and American cranberries. Which options work best depends on your location, so see our full guide on vining fruits to find the best options for you.
A Thriving Vertical Garden
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A limited backyard or small outdoor space is no longer a hindrance for those dreaming of a garden. With the right trellis and plants, turn empty walls or balconies into stunning green spaces. Consider aromatic flowers, edible plants, and timeless choices to create a thriving vertical garden.
Many plants want to grow upwards – you just have to give them some direction! Once you've got things going, you're sure to appreciate the view.
Author
- Bonnie Ferrero Bonnie loves hiking, an interest nurtured during her time in Upstate New York. Cooking, gardening, and home decorating are other hobbies that fuel her creativity and help her connect with nature. Through her professional achievements, community involvement, and personal pursuits, Bonnie embodies a holistic approach to life, committed to service, growth, and well-being.
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- If you're seeking a fragrant, flowering vine for your limited space, consider jasmine or English ivy. Both thrive in pots with support and bloom in warm seasons.
- Dreaming of an edible, vertical garden? Cucumbers, snap peas, and snow peas are excellent choices for your trellis, providing nutritious produce and requiring minimal ground space.
- For garden enthusiasts who enjoy a creative touch, incorporating decorative plants like clematis, morning glory, or black-eyed Susan vine into their trellis setup offers a unique and visually stunning alternative to traditional flowers.
- Transform your small patio, balcony, or rooftop into a lush oasis with climbing roses, wisteria, or bougainvillea. These plants grow vigorously and produce beautiful blooms that add color and fragrance to your outdoor living space.
- A great way to optimize your garden output without creating an overgrown mess is by growing organic vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, or zucchini upwards on trellises. This allows for improved airflow, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and saving valuable ground space.
- Embrace a home-and-garden lifestyle and discover the joys of gardening by experimenting with various plants that climb well on trellises. By carefully selecting plants like sweet peas, nasturtiums, and passionflower, you can create a thriving vertical garden that complements your home decor and enhances your lifestyle.
