Flowers are sought after in gardens to add color and life to any space. Climbing plants can occupy little space while effectively covering walls, trellises, or rooftops. If you wish to explore options for flowering climbing plants, we invite you to read this article.
Poet’s Eye (Thunbergia alata)
This climbing vine produces five-petaled flowers in vibrant orange or yellow with a dark center. It grows abundantly, making it suitable for covering fences, but it can also become invasive. Originally from Africa, it has spread to other regions due to its appeal. The stems wrap around tree branches or fences, and the leaves are elongated heart-shaped. It can also be used to cover dead tree trunks.
Clematis (Clematis spp.)
Clematis is one of the most popular ornamental climbing flowers, especially in temperate zones as they tolerate cold weather very well. They develop woody stems and vines, and what draws attention is not the petals, but the sepals.
There are numerous varieties, each with different colors and shapes. For instance, Clematis ‘Esme’ has pale lavender flowers, Clematis ‘Marta’ boasts fuchsia flowers, while the Chinese clematis Clematis tibetana subsp. vernayi has bell-shaped flowers. These plants thrive on pergolas or walls, adhering well to these structures.
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)
What may appear to be the flower is actually the plant’s bracts, which are merely accessory leaves. These bracts come in colors such as fuchsia, white, orange, pink, or red. They have a papery texture, earning them the nickname “paper flower.” Bougainvilleas grow like shrubs but are excellent climbers when provided with a support structure. They exhibit vigorous and rapid growth, with dark green, glossy leaves. Their primary enemy is winter cold, making them easier to cultivate in coastal regions where temperatures remain mild year-round.
Bellflowers (Ipomoea spp.)
Native to the American tropics, this herbaceous plant features flowers with a complete corolla that only bloom in the morning, with species available in blue, violet, pink, or white.
They often grow wild along roadsides or in fields but can also be easily cultivated in gardens from their dark seeds. The leaves are heart-shaped, and they bear tendrils, which are spirals that allow them to cling to fences or branches for climbing.
Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
This plant produces large, voluminous orange tubular flowers, about 10 centimeters long, growing terminally in clusters. The leaves are compound, and it develops a woody trunk. Interested in the flowers of this plant?
Wisteria (Wisteria spp.)
This climbing plant finds its pathway through any support it encounters, twisting its stems into a woody structure. It produces spectacular clusters of lilac flowers, which can measure from 15 centimeters to up to a meter long, depending on the variety. Its flowering is abundant.
Wisteria is commonly used on house walls to beautify facades and can be placed on pergolas to create a natural flower canopy. It remains one of the most in-demand flowering climbing plants due to its easy care and romantic display. Moreover, it can even thrive in pots if they provide enough space and are watered and fertilized appropriately.
Allamanda (Allamanda cathartica)
Known also as golden trumpet, these are tropical American climbers producing large yellow flowers with five spiraled petals measuring up to 12 centimeters in diameter. As the stem ages, it becomes woody. This plant grows vigorously, with simple leaves and blooms in summer and autumn, requiring full sun exposure.
Passionflower (Passiflora caerulea)
Also known as the passion vine, this exotic climbing plant produces stunning flowers with intricate structures and patterns in vibrant purples, whites, and yellows. It thrives in warm climates. As a vine, once established, it easily climbs over trellises or roofs. It develops tendrils for support and produces a fruit related to the passion fruit that is edible.
For the best results, it is recommended to plant it in early spring, water it abundantly, and if possible, help it spread by guiding its branches over walls or structures you desire it to climb.
Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
This herbaceous climbing plant originates from Asia, producing delicate white flowers that open like lips with long petals, emitting a sweet, unique aroma that can enhance any garden sensorial experience. Once the flowers begin to fade, they change to yellow. It grows abundantly, develops woody stems, and can reach heights of up to 10 meters. Although it is considered invasive, if managed properly in gardens, it should not pose a problem.
Copihue (Lapageria rosea)
This species thrives in the humid forests of Chile but is now cultivated outside its country for its aesthetic value. The flowers are red, measuring around 8 centimeters, although pale pink variants exist. They are waxy and hang like tightly closed bells. This herbaceous climber entwines around the trunks of other trees, making it useful for covering meshes or fences. It features large leaves that dangle from the vine and is recommended for shady gardens. Protect it from cold winds.
Climbing Roses (Rosa spp.)
Climbing roses are characterized by being almost identical to traditional roses, except they grow along nearby structures, sometimes covering them completely when left unchecked. They are quite delicate regarding pest resistance and require continuous attention and care.
One advantage of these flowering climbing plants is their availability in various colors, ranging from pink and red to white or yellow, similar to common roses.
Other Flowering Climbing Plants
- Bomarea (Bomarea caldasii)
- Senecio (Senecio scandens)
- Mutisia (Mutisia oligodon)
- Creeping Hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris)
- Silver Lattice Vine (Fallopia baldschuanica)
- Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
- Common Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
- Chilean Nightshade (Solanum crispum)
References
- Beatty, R., Beer, A., & Deeming, C. (2010). The Nature Book. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley.
- Heimberger-Preisler, K. (2008). Container Gardens. Spain: Editorial Hispano Europea, S.A.
- Buczacki, S. (1995). Climbing Plants. Spain: Tursen/Hermann Blume.