Climbing plants are vine-like, characterized by long, flexible stems that can sometimes bear thorns for protection, often presenting noticeable nodes. They are widely used to beautify walls, tree stumps, fences, trellises, or arbors. While many of these plants shed their leaves with the seasons, if you’re looking for options that remain lush year-round, you’re in the right place. This article highlights excellent choices for perennial climbing plants such as ivy (Hedera spp.), wisteria (Wisteria spp.), jasmine (Jasminum spp.), and creeping fig (Ficus pumila).
Ivy (Hedera spp.)
This plant is highly sought after due to its low water requirements. The two most common varieties in gardening are Hedera helix (common ivy) and Hedera canariensis (Canary ivy). Its leaves can be oval or elliptical, typically featuring three lobes. They are usually a deep green, but variegated types also exist, displaying white or yellow streaks. Caution should be taken with its small fruits as they are toxic. Ivy plants are perennial climbers that will turn white when exposed to too much sunlight, while variegated varieties will revert to solid green in the shade. To cover a wall, they need support, pruned to 1 cm annually, and require feed every two weeks during spring and summer.
Wisteria (Wisteria spp.)
Natives of Eastern Australia and Asian countries, including China, Japan, and Korea, wisteria features hanging lilac flowers, making it a sought-after choice for garden decoration due to its incredible beauty. It requires sandy, open soil as its roots spread widely. Wisteria needs a minimum of six hours of full sun each day and grows well in large pots. While flowers appear only in spring, the plant is perennial and retains its leaves unless extreme climatic conditions harm it.
Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata)
Commonly known as blue jasmine or celestina, plumbago has spiraled leaves and comes in white, purple, red, or pink blooms, with blue being the most popular. The flower’s calyx secretes mucilage, which can eliminate nearby insects. This perennial plant grows abundantly and uncontrollably, flowering throughout the year, except in the colder months.
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)
Natively found in Brazil and the tropical forests of America, bougainvillea is adaptable to most climates. Its blooms attract pollinators and can be seen in colors like red, purple, lilac, yellow, orange, white, bicolor, and the characteristic bougainvillea color. Notably, the colorful bract is a modified leaf surrounding the actual tiny white or yellow flower.
Bougainvillea can grow as a bush, vine, or tree. It can be intricately woven around walls or fences. They bloom more often during the rainy season and require plenty of sunlight. Bougainvillea thrives best in outdoor environments.
Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
One of the most coveted perennial climbing plants due to its fragrant flowers, jasmine is highly resilient and doesn’t demand extreme care. Regular fertilizing during its blooming season and monitoring soil drainage is crucial for its health. In cold winter climates with snow, cover the roots to prevent freezing. Although it grows as a vine, it needs supports to cling to, as it lacks natural adhesion to surfaces.
Passionflower (Passiflora spp.)
Characterized by its rapid growth, passionflower offers a striking three-crown flower in various captivating colors, along with a fruit known as passion fruit, which can be boiled and strained to make juice. To produce flowers all season long, it needs to be well-watered with ample sunlight.
Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)
The creeping fig, or Ficus pumila, is a perennial climbing plant known for its durable foliage and sprawling growth. It thrives with continuous pruning, regular watering, and plenty of sun exposure, preferably indirect. It also grows well in partial shade and its small leaves effectively cover walls.
Monstera Adansonii
This variety of Monstera thrives indoors. Its leaves feature unique spaces, lending a distinctive appearance. The stems can elongate, allowing it to act as a vine. It grows abundantly but can be pruned to maintain a compact size. Trimmings can also be used to propagate new plants.
Climbing Rose (Rosa spp.)
The rose is renowned as the queen of flowers and is one of the most cultivated, sold, and gifted flowers worldwide due to its fragrance and diverse colors. There are hundreds of species with slight variations. Planting various climbing rose cultivars in your garden can create a vibrant display on walls. They attract insects and pests, so monitoring is necessary. Organic fertilizers and worm castings promote healthier, larger blooms.
Syngonium (Syngonium spp.)
This climbing plant also thrives indoors. Its heart-shaped and elongated leaves are distinctive, and it is a perennial climber that can reach heights of up to 3 meters. It can be pruned for better control in smaller spaces, and many attractive varieties feature white mottling and some exceptional specimens with vibrant pink hues.
