Climbing plants get a bad press. Invasive species such as English ivy, Japanese honeysuckle, and trumpet vine are enough to send shivers down the spine of many gardeners. And, I’m sure, more than a few of those reading this have felt the horror as a climber planted by a neighbour starts to crawl over the boundary fence or along the wall. I feel your pain.

But planted and cared for correctly, and when space is at a premium, or you simply want to add another layer of texture and colour to your garden, climbing plants are your best friend. They make the most of every vertical surface — wrapping fences, walls, arches, and pergolas in lush green foliage and attractive flowers with many adding a nice fragrance to the air.

So, don’t be too harsh on climbing plants and give them a go. There’s a climbing plant for every space, style and season. But, for the sake of neighbourly relations, make sure you keep their growth under control.

Why Choose Climbing Plants?

Climbing plants do something few others can: they grow up, not out. By training them vertically, you can turn plain, unused areas of the garden into living features. They’re perfect for softening hard surfaces, providing privacy, or adding height to garden borders.

They also work wonders for wildlife — which is a big tick in the box for many gardeners. Some climbers produce nectar-rich flowers loved by bees and butterflies, while berries and foliage provide shelter and food for birds through the colder months.

And let’s not forget how versatile climbing plants can be. From evergreen climbers that keep their leaves all year round to flowering varieties that bring bursts of colour throughout the spring and summer.

Understanding How Climbing Plants Grow

Not all climbers are created equal (I refer you back to my opening paragraph and the horrors of invasive climbers). Understanding how they grow helps you choose the right support and position.

• Twining climbers – plants like Clematis and Honeysuckle use their stems to twine around trellis or wires.
• Tendril climbers – Sweet Peas and Passionflowers produce delicate tendrils that grip onto supports.
• Self-clinging climbers – Ivy and Climbing Hydrangea attach themselves to surfaces using aerial roots or suckers.
• Scramblers – Climbing Roses and Bougainvillea don’t climb naturally but can be trained and tied in to supports.

Choosing the right structure for your plant ensures it will grow strongly without damaging walls or fences.

Choosing the Right Climbing Plant for Your Space

Before planting, think about where your climber will go and also where you don’t want it to go.

Sun-Loving Walls and Fences

If your wall faces south or west, you’ll have plenty of sunlight which is perfect for flowering climbers like Clematis, Wisteria, Honeysuckle and Passionflower. These love the warmth (don’t we all) and these plants will reward you with masses of colourful blooms.

Shady Spots

North or east-facing walls can still be beautiful with the right plants. Ivy, Climbing Hydrangea and Clematis armandii thrive in shade or partial sun and bring texture and structure where other plants might struggle.

Small Spaces and Containers

Even if you don’t have much ground space, climbing plants can still work wonders. Many compact varieties, such as Clematis or Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine), grow happily in containers with the right support. This makes them ideal for patios or balconies.

See our upcoming article: Small Garden? No Problem! The Best Climbing Plants for Limited Spaces

How to Plant Climbing Plants

Getting the planting right at the start sets your climber up for years of success.

• Prepare the soil: Dig a hole about twice the width of the plant’s pot and mix in plenty of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure.
• Position carefully: Place the plant around 30–45cm (1–1½ft) away from a wall or fence so rainwater can reach the roots. Angle it slightly towards the support.
• Add support before planting: Fix trellis, wires, or canes in place first. This avoids disturbing roots later and gives new stems something to cling to immediately.
• Water and mulch: Water thoroughly after planting, and add a mulch around the base to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Feed regularly: Use a balanced feed in spring and summer to encourage strong growth and flowering.

For a step-by-step guide, see our article: How to Train and Support Climbing Plants Like a Pro

Training and Supporting Climbing Plants

Like all of us, climbing plants need a little help to look their best. It takes a bit of work but regularly tying in new shoots encourages even coverage and prevents stems from becoming tangled or bare at the base.

• Use soft garden twine or specialist plant ties to secure stems loosely to their support.
• Guide shoots horizontally as well as vertically — this helps to produce more flowering stems.
• Keep an eye out for overcrowded or crossing growth. If this is an issue trim the plant lightly to maintain its shape.

Over time, your climber will establish itself and require less intervention. Just a yearly tidy-up after flowering.

Pruning and Maintenance Tips

Pruning can sound daunting, but it’s really just about knowing when your plant flowers. Most climbers fall into one of three simple pruning types:

• Early-flowering climbers (e.g. Clematis montana, Wisteria) – prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year’s buds.
• Summer-flowering climbers (e.g. Honeysuckle, Climbing Roses) – prune in late winter or early spring to promote new growth.
• Evergreen climbers (e.g. Ivy, Star Jasmine) – prune lightly after flowering or in spring to keep neat.

Always remove dead, weak or crossing stems, and remember that climbers are generally forgiving — they’ll bounce back with healthy new growth.

Climbing Plants for Every Season

A well-planned garden can have climbing plants in flower almost all year round. Here’s a quick seasonal guide to inspire you:

• Spring: Clematis montana, Wisteria, Climbing Hydrangea
• Summer: Roses, Honeysuckle, Passionflower, Sweet Pea
• Autumn: Clematis viticella, Solanum jasminoides (Potato Vine)
• Winter: Winter Jasmine, Clematis cirrhosa, Ivy

By mixing evergreen and deciduous varieties, you can enjoy continuous interest and changing textures from season to season.

We explore this in more detail in Best Flowering Climbing Plants for Every Season: A Year of Colour

Evergreen Climbing Plants for Structure and Privacy

If you want permanent coverage and something to look at all year round, evergreen climbers are ideal. Ivy remains a classic choice for screening and wildlife value, while Star Jasmine offers glossy leaves and beautiful white, scented flowers in summer. Clematis armandii is another favourite — vigorous, fast-growing, and covered in sweetly scented blooms early in the year.

Read more in The Best Evergreen Climbing Plants for Year-Round Colour and Coverage

Adding Scent to Your Garden

Few things beat walking through the garden and catching a whiff of Honeysuckle or Jasmine on a summer evening. Scented climbing plants add atmosphere to any space, especially near seating areas or doorways where you can fully enjoy their fragrance.

See Fragrance on the Fence: The Most Scented Climbing Plants for Your Garden for our top picks.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Even the most vigorous climbers can suffer from a few common issues, but most are easy to fix:

• Drooping or wilting: Usually a sign of over- or under-watering. Check soil moisture regularly.
• Sparse flowering: May be due to overfeeding or pruning at the wrong time.
• Yellowing leaves: Often caused by poor drainage or lack of nutrients. Improve soil and feed accordingly.
• Pests and diseases: Aphids and mildew can be treated with natural or chemical controls. Regular pruning and airflow help prevention.

Remember, climbing plants are resilient by nature — most will recover quickly with a little care.

Design Ideas: Making the Most of Your Climbers

Climbing plants are incredibly versatile in garden design. Here are a few creative ideas:

• Frame a doorway or window with Star Jasmine or Clematis armandii for a welcoming entrance.
• Cover an old fence with Honeysuckle or Evergreen Clematis to create privacy and colour.
• Add height to borders with obelisks or arches covered in Climbing Roses or Sweet Peas.
• Combine textures – mix evergreen and deciduous climbers for year-round structure and changing interest.

These plants don’t just decorate your garden — they transform it into a living, evolving space full of character.

Final Thoughts

Whether you want to hide a dull wall, fill the air with scent, or add colour and height to your garden, climbing plants are one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to do it. Once established, they ask for very little but give back in abundance — a cascade of flowers, lush foliage, and a touch of magic that no other plant type can match.

Explore our full range of climbing plants at Direct Plants and find the perfect variety to suit your garden — from fragrant Jasmines to hardy Clematis and classic climbing Roses.