Climbing plants for pergolas, arches & fences
Climbers are highly versatile plants with a natural tendency to climb, scramble or ramble. They are excellent for covering walls, fences, trellis, unsightly features or pergolas, or even to clamber over natural supports such as conifer trees, bushes and shrubs. Some climbers twine around the framework they're designed to scramble over, whereas others such as Hedera, Campsis and Passiflora actually self-cling to their climbing surface. The structure you use to support your climber should be secure and strong, because the plants can become heavy with age.
Climbing plants can be used to brighten up your vertical planting areas such as bare walls or simply provide beautiful flowers, lush foliage and a fabulous scent for your garden. If you're looking for climbing plants for sun then Trachelospermum and Campsis are an excellent choice, whereas the best climbing plants for shade are Parthenocissus and Akebia Quinata (also known as Chocolate Vine). Many climbers are also excellent wildlife attracting plants, whilst Hedera varieties such as Hedera Hibernica make useful groundcover plants and Hedera Helix is suitable for growing in a container.