It may not enjoy the universal renown of strawberries and cream but the combination of trellis and climbing plants is magical in its own right. A trellis planted out with beautiful climbing blooms will transform your garden. And, as much as strawberries and cream are delightful, the taste (if not the calories) will soon go; but your trellis will bloom year after year.

Coupled with the structural elegance or rustic charm of trellises, climbing plants not only look great but they can be used to create natural privacy screens or a cool, shady area in which to escape the summer heat.

Why We Love Climbing Plants

Climbers like clematis and climbing roses provide wonderful splashes of colour while climbers such as ivy and Virginia creeper can forge attractive but dense screens. But they all add a vertical dimension to gardens, drawing the eye upward and making small spaces appear larger. Climbers also provide habitats for wildlife, from birds to insects, which will add even more life and interest to your garden. But combine climbers with a trellis and you’re really cooking on gas.

The Right Trellis

You’ve got your climbers sorted. Now for the trellis. Which should be the easy part really. The only issue you’ll have is deciding which one. Any DIY store or garden centre will have dozens of designs to choose from in a range of materials including wood, metal, and plastic. Each has their own charm with wooden trellises offering a traditional and natural look. Metal trellises, on the other hand, provide a more modern appearance and durability against the elements. Plastic versions are cheaper and will last longer than wooden trellis. As long as the design of the trellis matches your garden’s theme, you’re golden.

Popular Climbing Plants for Trellises

Clematis

There can’t be many of us who haven’t grown clematis at some point. Known as the "queen of climbers," this is a spectacular plant with colours ranging from deep purples to vibrant pinks and stunning whites. These plants prefer their "heads in the sun and feet in the shade". Perfect for trellises, they can be paired with other climbers like roses for a stunning display.

Climbing Rose

The everlasting symbol of romance in the garden, Climbing Roses produce beautiful blooms which will ramble over a trellis. Regular pruning will keep your rose blooming and they are a perfect choice for vertical gardening.

Ivy

If you’re in a hurry to cover the trellis, ivy is for you. Its evergreen foliage will quickly cover a trellis, providing year-round privacy and greenery. It's versatile and hardy, and will thrive in just about any conditions. Do be aware though that you must regularly prune the plant to keep in check and to prevent it from becoming invasive.

Hydrangea

Climbing hydrangeas are prized for their large, showy flowers. They can also cling to surfaces without support. Ideal for shading and will cover your trellis in colour. A hydrangea will add a touch of elegance to any garden.

Jasmine

With its wonderful fragrance and delicate flowers jasmine is always a popular addition to the garden. Jasmine can transform a trellis into a fragrant, floral feature and is best positioned near a seating area to be enjoyed throughout the summer.

Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is easy to grow, and its sweetly-scented flowers will attract pollinators. The plant's rapid growth and vibrant blooms make them excellent for quickly covering your new trellis and will provide loads of seasonal colour.

Virginia Creeper

Very popular and very fast-growing. Virginia Creeper is known for its stunning autumnal colour when its leaves turn fiery red. This hardy plant can cover a large trellis quickly, providing a lush, dense screen. It's a low-maintenance plant which will thrive in most soils and conditions.

Keep the Pruning Tools Handy

While climbers add colour and beauty to your garden you do need to keep them in check. Without regular pruning they can become invasive and get quickly out of hand. Especially varieties such as ivy and Virginia creeper. Regular pruning helps manage growth and encourages flowering. But, marrying your climbers to a trellis will create a wonderful new feature in your garden.

Check out our range of climbing plants which are fresh from the nursery and all ready to be picked and packed for delivery to your door.