Spring flowering climbing plants

Discover the transformative power of climbers; the perfect solution for narrow gardens. Whether you’re seeking a tall screen, a chic addition to an old fence, or a clever way to hide a shed, climbers are your go-to-plant. Often associated with jasmine or other common varieties, the world of climbers is a vast and diverse one. Let’s delve into some exciting plant options.

Before you start, ensure you have a sturdy trellis firmly embedded into the ground to support your chosen climber.  The first decision is the growing position: sunny or shady? If it’s a sunny spot, you have a wide range of plant choices. But what about shady areas? Many immediately think of ivy or Hedra varieties (which are poisonous), but there are numerous other readily available options.  For instance, Clematis montana is a lovely climber with stunning white flowers that thrive in the shade. Creeping ficus or Ficus pumila doesn’t even require a trellis but attaches itself to the wall, rock, or fence.  Pothos or Epipremnum, with its many different varieties, varying in leaf size and colour as well as overall height, is also suitable for shade. Cissus has a few different types, such as Cissus antarctica or kangaroo vine or Cissus discolor.

Climbing plants don’t necessarily need to climb upwards. Climbers can be planted in planting baskets to create a living curtain or as an accent feature.

Once you’ve decided on the position, consider whether you want an evergreen climber or a deciduous one.  A deciduous plant is perfect for a pergola, providing shelter in the summer and a burst of winter sun when the leaves fall.  Some deciduous climbers, like Parthenocissus or wild vine, offer the most delightful leaf colour when they fall. And let’s not forget wisteria, available in several shades from purple to mauve and even white, making it a versatile choice for many gardens. Just keep an eye on wisteria, as it has a tendency to spread. Grape vines can be of the fruiting variety or simply ornamental, adding a little extra to a pergola or archway. And of course, there are fruiting climbers like passionfruit, kiwi fruit, berries, and sweet potatoes.

Another question is height. Not all climbers are tall growers. Always read the labels for their growth height. Some climbers struggle to attain a metre length, whereas others can stretch to eight metres. If no height is clearly given, ask the nursery person or research yourself. A miniature bougainvillea can reach three metres, and to some, this may not seem miniature, but a full-size variety can climb up a eucalyptus to over eight metres. 

Always check your area as some plants can be considered a weed in some regions.  A weed is just a plant growing in the wrong place at the wrong time.