Climbing plants have evolved to grow up tall objects such as trees and other shrubs, usually to reach the brightest sun. They have the ability to bring much colour and joy to a garden and yet only use a small amount of ground space.
Some climbers will support themselves as they grow with the use of specialised stems or tendrils, thorns or aerial roots that attach to surfaces. Other types of plant that are used to cover walls and surfaces need to be tied in to strong supports like climbing roses for example.
In winter, climbing evergreens add a layer of insulation to buildings helping to retain heat. In summer they deflect the sun from the walls helping to keep the inside cooler. So planting climbers to grow on the outside of your house can save you money on your energy bills!
Planting Climbers
To avoid a rain shadow, dig the planting hole 30cm-45cm in front of the wall’s base and further out if there is an overhanging roof. Sprinkle mycorrhizal fungi (Rootgrow) in the hole to come into contact with the roots. This promotes stronger rooting helping the plant to establish well.
Smaller climbers can be planted in a container with an obelisk or trellis at the back. Choose one at least 45cm wide/deep and use a soil based compost such as John Innes No. 3. Mulch the surface to retain moisture and don’t let it dry out.
Ongoing Care
For the first few seasons, water weekly to help plants establish, then only during prolonged dry spells. Feed in spring with a potassium-rich fertiliser to encourage flowering, and apply a mulch to help retain moisture.
For plants grown in pots, feed weekly throughout spring and summer with a general-purpose liquid fertiliser. Each spring, replace the top 5cm of compost with fresh compost, adding a slow-release granular fertiliser and a surface mulch.
During the growing season, check your climber weekly for new growth that needs tying in. It is best to secure loose stems to supports rather than to other stems to keep growth well spaced and supported.
Most climbers will need pruning at some stage, either to control size or to encourage better flowering. Keep plant labels or details so you can refer to the correct pruning and aftercare guidance for each specific variety.
Supporting Your Climbing Plants
Even if your chosen climber naturally twines itself around stems and supports, it is still necessary to encourage this process and guide the stems so they spread out evenly and cover the space well. Regularly checking and repositioning new growth will help create a more balanced and attractive display. Use soft twine and secure stems with a loose figure of eight knot to prevent damage against the supports.
Most climbers will need some sort of support structure to twine around or be tied onto as they grow and mature. Fully grown climbers can become very heavy, so your support system needs to be strong, stable, and well anchored to withstand both weight and weather conditions. Options include trellis attached to battens on a wall, with the battens holding the trellis about 5cm away to allow twiners to wrap around and to improve airflow behind the plant. Trellis can also be attached with a hinge at the bottom and a hook at the top, so that it can be folded out from the wall when access is needed for maintenance.
On brick walls, fix horizontal wires in rows 45cm apart on vine eyes spaced no more than 2m apart, with the bottom wire about 30cm above the soil. Bamboo canes can be tied to the wires to create a fan shape, helping guide your plant into an attractive form. In sheltered areas, trellis or wires can also be strung between posts knocked into the ground which is useful for dividing the garden into sections.
Popular Climbers
Clematis
Clematis produce masses of beautiful flowers at different times of the year depending on the variety. With hundreds of varieties of these incredibly popular climbers to choose from, we have created a separate leaflet dedicated just to them!
Lonicera
Climbing honeysuckles are magnets for wildlife. They flower in summer, attracting bees and butterflies by day and moths by night. Birds love eating their red berries. Some are evergreen and some deciduous.
Size: 2.5-6m depending on variety, but best kept pruned.
Passiflora caerulea
Passion flowers have the most amazingly intricate, stunning, tropical looking flowers from July to October, sometimes followed by edible fruits. These evergreen climbers can quickly cover a wall.
Size: 1.5-8m depending on variety.
Trachelospermum
Trachelospermum is not a true jasmine despite its common name. It’s an evergreen with incredibly scented white flowers in summer, perfect for using to surround patios, and can reach 9m.
Roses
Climbing and rambling roses are romantic cottage garden plants. Climbing roses need tying in to supports and many will repeat flower. Rambling roses often flower spectacularly in one go without repeating. Some ramblers grow to over 6m.
Hydrangea petiolaris
Excellent for covering a shady north or east-facing wall. White lacecap flowers in summer with butter-yellow autumn foliage. It uses aerial roots which will not damage a sound wall.
Size: Can reach 12m x 8m in 10-15 years.
Sollya heterophylla
Bluebell creeper is an evergreen climber with pretty bell-shaped blue flowers in summer, followed by edible blue berries. It likes a sunny sheltered spot and can be tender.
Size: 2m x 2m.
Jasminum officinale
Common Jasmine is a vigorous twining climber with small, fragrant, white flowers in summer. Several other climbing jasmines are also available including those with pale pink flowers.
Size: 5m x 5m.
Vitis
Grape vines are vigorous climbers. You can grow ornamental, edible or wine varieties. Although some need the shelter of a greenhouse, others can be grown outside. Can grow higher than 12m if unpruned. Best pruned to a framework annually.
Wisteria
Wisteria needs planting against a sturdy wall or strong structure in a sunny spot. They bear stunning pendants of fragrant flowers in May or June. Needs regular pruning to keep it in check, but it is worth the effort.
Size: 9m x 4m.
Hedera
If you have a solid wall in good condition, ivy is a fantastic evergreen climber that can regulate the temperature inside your home. It is also one of the best climbers for a wide variety of wildlife. Keep it out of your gutters.
Size: Up to 10m.
Parthenocissus
Virginia Creeper and Boston Ivy are rampant foliage plants. They make an amazing spectacle in autumn with fiery shades of red and orange foliage. Boston Ivy is the more shade tolerant and slightly smaller of the two. Size wise, it can reach more than 20m.
Transform Your Garden with Climbers
Whether you’re looking to soften a wall, create privacy, attract wildlife or add height and seasonal interest, climbing plants are a versatile addition to any garden. With the right support, regular care and a little guidance as they grow, they will reward you with years of beautiful foliage, colourful flowers and fragrance.
Explore our wide range of climbing plants in store, where our friendly team will be happy to help you choose the best varieties for your garden
Continue your Gardening Journey
Need a little extra advice? Visit your local Tates of Sussex Garden Centre today, where our friendly knowledgeable, team will be happy to help you choose the right plants and offer expert guidance.
