Climbing plants are versatile and can be used for different purposes around the garden. Vines and creepers with stunning blooms may transform a boring patio, balcony, or any garden into a colorful work of art.
Compared to other landscaping options like trees or bushes, blooming vines require far less room to grow. And a surprising number of them thrive perfectly in tiny spaces like containers.
What’s more, they can be directed to grow exactly where you want them to with the help of fundamental structural features like trellises, poles, or even the features of your home like walls, pillars, or railings.
By adorning your fences, trellises, and pergolas with colorful blossoms, you may obtain an aesthetic appearance and increased privacy or camouflage where needed.
But not all creepers are low-maintenance plants. Carefully consider the location and surface where the plants will grow to avoid extra work or even damage.
Read on to learn about some of the most gorgeous flowering climbing plants available, and then select the one that’s best for you.
Table of Contents
1. Rosa ‘New Dawn’
The rose variety ‘New Dawn’ is remarkable in every way. For many years, it has been considered a top choice among climbers.
In the United States, it was first introduced in 1930.
‘New Dawn’ is a robust, trouble-free, and abundantly blooming climbing rose variety. It can survive prolonged droughts and partial shade and has good frost tolerance in the winter.
Every summer, ‘New Dawn’ is awash in a sea of semi-double, pearly pink flowers. On bright, sunny days, they are almost white, and on cooler days, they take on a baby-pink tinge.
At the end of June, flowers begin to bloom and stay in full swing until the first frost. They often cluster together in inflorescences but can also be found in singles.
‘New Dawn’ has a subtle yet noticeable fragrance.
It’s a climbing rose with fast and strong growth, and the shoots reach a considerable size in the first year. The roses’ young shoots are pliable and simple to train.
It works well as a border plant for walls, and it can also be used to cover arches and pergolas.
Due to its low maintenance, it is highly recommended for those just beginning their adventure with roses.
‘New Dawn’ has been one of the most popular and often grown climbing roses in gardens for a long time.
You can trust that this fantastic climber will thrive in your garden! It is one of the few climbers to ever win the title of “World’s Favorite Rose,” which it did in 1997.
Additionally, ‘New Dawn’ was honored with the RHS Award of Garden Merit. The Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit was created to help gardeners select the highest-quality plants for their spaces.
Rosa ‘New Dawn’ In a Nutshell
| Lifespan | Long-living climbing rose |
| Flowering Period | From June to the first frost |
| Growth Rate | 6–8 feet per season |
| Climbing Method | Twining |
| Flowers Colors | Porcelain light pink |
| Fragrance | Delicate sweet fruity fragrance |
| Height | 10’ – 15’ |
| Spread | 6’ – 8’ |
| Light | Full sun, partial shade |
| Maintenance | Average |
| Water needs | Average |
| Soil | Chalk, loam, sand |
| Attracts | Butterflies, hummingbirds, pollinators |
| Heat zone | 5 – 9 |
| Hardiness | 5 – 9 |
2. Clematis
Clematis is unquestionably one of the most interesting and attractive climbers.
The amazing diversity of clematis varieties and flower shapes has earned it a devoted following among gardeners worldwide.
Clematis flowers come in hundreds of different colors, shapes, and sizes.
There are also varieties that only bloom in the spring, summer, or early fall, as well as those that bloom all through the season.
Therefore, to be able to fully enjoy Clematis’ beauty, you should get to know these wonderful vines better.
Before choosing a variety, you should consider where the plants will grow. Some varieties like full sun, while others prefer some shade.
A general rule with Clematis is that flowers with strong colors require sun, while varieties with pastel or multicolored flowers prefer partial shade.
Another important element in the cultivation of Clematis is the substrate. Most Clematis requires fertile, humus, and deeply cultivated soil, with a pH of 6.5-7.5. They do not tolerate acidic and saline soils.
Clematis struggles to grow and bloom in heavy, poorly draining soils. On the other hand, moisture in the substrate is important for all Clematis; they cannot survive drought or overheating of the roots.
Most Clematis are frost tolerant. However, it is necessary to protect the vine’s roots from winter with a mound or thick mulch.
If you want to grow Clematis in your garden, I suggest you choose varieties that have won prestigious awards for the best plants.
My favorite Clematis varieties are listed below, all of which have received the RHS Award of Garden Merit, a long-established plant award given by the British Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
- Clematis ‘Prince Charles’ – pale blue, lilac, or white flowers
- Clematis ‘Jackmanii’ – dark purple flowers
- Clematis ‘Ernest Markham’ – magenta-pink flowers
- Clematis ‘Blue Angel’ – pale powder blue flowers
- Clematis ‘Warszawska Nike’ – reddish-purple flowers
- Clematis ‘Apple Blossom’ – from pale pink to white
- Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’ – flowers that are pink-lilac with a stripe of carmine
Clematis In a Nutshell
| Lifespan | Perennial |
| Flowering Period | Depends on variety |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Flowers Colors | Big selection of colors |
| Height | Depends on variety |
| Spread | Depends on variety |
| Light | Full sun, partial shade |
| Maintenance | Medium |
| Soil | High organic matter, moist with good drainage |
| Attracts | Butterflies and pollinators |
| Hardiness | 3 – 9 |
| Problems | The plant is toxic for animals and humans |
3. Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)
Wisteria sinensis, commonly known as Chinese wisteria is one of the most magnificent vines. It is beautiful all year, but it is breathtaking when it blooms in May.
This climber has tiny flowers that look like pea flowers. They have a light scent and are arranged in long, slender racemes.
There are several varieties of Wisteria, and they come in a range of colors, from purple to violet to white.
Pollinating insects frequent the blooms and seem to enjoy their presence there. So, in addition to the beautiful flowers, you can also expect to see many different kinds of colorful butterflies. A magnificent view, to say the least.
The Wisteria in my garden seems to expand at the speed of light. Its rapid growth rate (up to 25 feet per year) depends on a variety of environmental factors.
Wisteria shoots wrap tightly around supports. Particularly interesting are the shoots of old specimens, which are thick and often flattened, literally squeezing the supports like snakes.
Wisteria are extremely long-living plants, with some living for over a hundred years! Therefore, Wisteria is better suited for cultivation in larger gardens where its vigorous growth over time won’t be a problem.
It also needs robust, strong support that will allow it to climb and grow for the next several decades.
It grows and blooms best in places that are protected, warm, sunny, and have moist, fertile soil.
Chinese Wisteria In a Nutshell
| Lifespan (annual, or perennial) | Long-lived plants |
| Flowering Period | Spring |
| Growth Rate | Rapid |
| Climbing Method | Twining |
| Flowers Colors | Purple, lavender, white |
| Fragrance | Delicate sweet fragrance |
| Height | 10’ – 30’ |
| Spread | 10’ – 15’ |
| Light | Full sun, partial shade |
| Maintenance | Hight |
| Water needs | Average |
| Soil tolerance | Chalk, loam, sand |
| Attracts | Butterflies and bees |
| Heat zone | 3 – 9 |
| Hardiness | 5 – 9 |
| Problems | Toxic for dogs, cats, horses. Invasive species. |
4. Mandevilla (Mandevilla sanderi)
Mandevilla is certainly a unique plant and, until recently, belonged to a group of plants favored by the aristocracy.
Mandevilla is native to the tropical regions of South America. This exotic beauty was hard to come by because of its reputation as a pricey and difficult-to-cultivate plant.
Today, there are many intriguing hybrid variants created from Mandevilla. In addition to plants with classic, huge, red, velvety blossoms, you can also buy Mandevillas in white or shades of pink.
But it is important to remember that Mandevilla is an exotic plant that requires specific care if you decide to cultivate it.
Under optimal conditions, Mandevilla has a long and abundant blooming season that lasts from April to October. Therefore, continuous fertilization throughout the season is required.
The shoots of Mandevilla are flexible and covered with numerous large, leathery, shiny leaves, which, apart from beautiful flowers, are a decoration of the plant.
It thrives in the open air and is ideal for balconies, terraces, and garden pots.
As its native climate is tropical, the Mandevilla thrives in hot and humid conditions. Because the creeper dislikes moving and turning, the plant’s location should be carefully chosen.
Mandeville loves wet soil but is vulnerable to flooding. Its thick roots rot fast. As a result, it should be watered on a regular but gentle basis and grown in a permeable substrate that does not accumulate excess water.
Mandevilla will need a larger container every year if grown in a pot.
Mandevilla is heat tolerant and evergreen in warm areas. In colder climates, it should be brought indoors during the winter.
Mandevilla In a Nutshell
| Lifespan | Long-living plants in warm climates |
| Flowering Period | From April to October |
| Growth Rate | Rapid |
| Climbing Method | Twining |
| Flowers Colors | Red, burgundy, pink, white, yellow |
| Fragrance | Delicate sweet fragrance |
| Height | 3’ – 10’ |
| Spread | 3’ – 4’ |
| Light | Full sun, partial shade |
| Maintenance | Medium |
| Water needs | Average |
| Soil | Good Drainage |
| Attracts | Butterflies, hummingbirds, pollinators |
| Heat zone | 1 – 11 |
| Hardiness | 10 – 11 |
| Problems | The plant is toxic, and its milky sap can irritate the skin |
5. Honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.)
The world’s gardens are home to many Honeysuckle varieties.
Grown for its lovely blossoms, Honeysuckle is a robust vine that can be grown in almost any place. The vine grows quickly and needs little care.
Many species of this lovely vine have a strong sweet scent. So, in the garden, Honeysuckle is a beauty that delights the owner and attracts bees and butterflies. The heavy aroma lures them to a nectar feast.
Honeysuckle flowers are long and tube-shaped; they can be white, yellow, red, or purple, among other colors. The flowers are gathered in groups at the tops of the shoots.
Honeysuckle takes two to four years from planting before its first flowering.
Although Honeysuckle is not really fussy, certain care guidelines must be followed.
Honeysuckle should be grown in bright but not direct sunlight conditions. Then they will blossom lavishly while not being exposed to drying out.
They can also grow in shaded areas, but they produce fewer flowers.
Honeysuckle In a Nutshell
| Lifespan | Perennial |
| Flowering Period | Depending on variety |
| Growth Rate | Rapid |
| Climbing Method | Twining |
| Flowers Colors | Purple, pink, white, yellow, lavender |
| Fragrance | Sweet fragrance |
| Height | 15’ – 20’ |
| Spread | 4’ – 6’ |
| Light | Full sun, partial shade |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water needs | Average |
| Soil | Clay, loam |
| Attracts | Butterflies, pollinators |
| Hardiness | 4 – 9 |
6. Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris)
Climbing hydrangea is one of the few flowering vines that may thrive in the shade of a garden’s trees and walls.
Climbing hydrangea has delicate, decorative inflorescences as well as pretty leaves and shoots that can sometimes grow more than 40 feet tall.
Similar to common ivy, this plant grows aerial roots on its stems. Plants use them to climb neighboring tree trunks and branches, rocks, buildings, or porous construction walls.
The plant is covered in dark green, oval leaves during the summer, and the foliage changes to a warm, golden hue in the fall.
At the end of June, you can see the inflorescences of two different kinds of flowers on this plant.
Larger, white flowers with no pistils or stamens surround the edges of plate-shaped inflorescences with a delicate cloud. The interior of which is filled with a whole lot of small, aquamarine fertile flowers.
Climbing hydrangea requires fertile, humus, moist soils and a sheltered, shady position.
Slow growth is normal for the first two or three years following planting; once a sufficient root mass has been established, the growth rate picks up speed.
The plant is fully resistant to frost and long-lived. It does not require pruning or protection from pests or diseases, to which it is highly resistant.
Climbing hydrangea tolerates air pollution well, so it can grow even in highly polluted urban and industrial environments.
Climbing Hydrangea In a Nutshell
| Lifespan | Perennial |
| Flowering Period | Late spring to early summer |
| Growth Rate | Rapid |
| Climbing Method | Twining |
| Flowers Colors | White |
| Height | 30’ – 40’ |
| Spread | 5’ – 6’ |
| Light | Partial shade, deep shade |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water needs | Average |
| Soil | Average garden soil, moist but with good drainage |
| Attracts | Butterflies, hummingbirds, pollinators |
| Heat zone | 1 – 9 |
| Hardiness | 4 – 9 |
| Problems | The plant is toxic for humans and animals |
Final Thoughts
Climbers are versatile; whether you want a green wall, a decorative pillar, or a floral curtain, the choice depends on which climber you choose.
However, we must always keep in mind the climber’s needs in terms of soil, temperature, and, most importantly, light. Once properly placed and planted, flowering vines mostly require little care.
So, if you want to change the look of your fence, wall, gazebo, patio, or balcony, all you have to do is choose a beautiful climber and let it grow.
Resources
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/rose-new-dawn
- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/rosa-new-dawn/
- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/clematis/
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/clematis-prince-charles
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/clematis-jackmanii
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/clematis-ernest-markham
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/clematis-blue-angel
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/clematis-warszawska-nike
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/clematis-apple-blossom
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/clematis-nelly-moser
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/wisteria-sinensis-prolific-chinese-wisteria
- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/wisteria-sinensis/
- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/mandevilla-sanderi/
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/mandevilla-summer-romance-double-pink
- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lonicera-x-heckrottii/
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/lonicera-mandarin
- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-anomala/
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/hydrangea-anomala-subsp-petiolaris-climbing-hydrangea