8 Best Climbing Plants for Your Backyard Pergolas, Fences, and Trellises

Black-Eyed Susan Vine

Black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia alata) is a fast-growing annual that works well in various garden settings, especially as a trailing plant for hanging pots, trellises, and arbors. While it is perennial in warmer zones (10 to 11)

Boston Ivy Fenway Park

Named after Boston's iconic Fenway Park, Parthenocissus tricuspidata is a climbing vine that adorns famous ballparks and buildings alike. Known for its ability to cling to brick without damaging mortar, Boston ivy is both a stunning and practical choice

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.) is an evergreen vine that thrives in hot, sunny environments, producing vibrant bracts in a range of colors like pink, purple, red, and yellow. This low-maintenance plant is drought-tolerant

Carrion Flower

Smilax herbacea, or Carrion flower, is a native vine known for its distinctively strong odor. Although it may not be the top choice for those seeking fragrant blooms, its appeal lies in its ecological benefits. The vine produces blue-black berries

Clematis

Clematis is a versatile climbing vine that offers beautiful blooms in various sizes and colors, depending on the variety. By strategically planting different types of clematis, you can enjoy flowers throughout the growing season.

Common Grape Vine

Vitis vinifera 'Purpurea' is a striking grapevine known for its lush purple foliage and rich, concord-purple fruit. This vine brings both visual appeal and practicality to a garden, producing edible grapes alongside deep burgundy leaves.

English Rose Carding Mill

Rosa 'Carding Mill' is an English shrub rose known for its peachy-orange blooms and spicy, myrrh-like fragrance. Though it doesn't climb like other vines, this rose is ideal for sprawling along fences or serving as a backdrop

Honeysuckle 'Kintzley's Ghost'

Native to North America, Lonicera reticulata looks like it dropped from another planet, with silver dollar-sized bracts in a ghostly, gorgeous silver-blue.