Best Vines for Trellises

Posted by KK on Aug 20th 2025

Vines have many useful purposes in your landscape. They can screen unsightly views or provide privacy for a patio or porch. For those with limited space, vines can act as dividers or barriers. A vine placed along a fence or blank wall will break the monotony and help soften harsh structural lines, blending the structure with the surrounding landscape. A vine grown on an arbor can give shade much sooner than most trees can and will add height to a garden where needed. Vines can even be used as ground covers on steep banks where a lawn will not establish.

Pink mandevilla twines around a black trellis against a red brick wall

Above: Mandevilla is a fast-growing prolifically blooming tropical vine often grown as an annual in northern zones. Top of page: Purple clematis and yellow honeysuckle grow beautifully together on a garden trellis.

Growing Vines on Trellises and Obelisks

Vines need an appropriate support to grow well. A sturdy trellis provides that support, and can be used in various ways and locations in the garden and landscape. Trellises can be flat, curved, columnar, or pyramidal. Large-growing, woody vines such as wisteria will need a more substanial and much larger support than will a lighter-weight, less vigorous vine like clematis. It's a good idea to choose a trellis that will last over the long haul, as it is extremely difficult to transfer a full-grown vine from an old, delapidated support without heavily pruning or possibly damaging the plant. Galvanized steel trellises are an excellent choice, both elegant and enduring.

Wall trellises can be mounted on fences or exterior house walls. Growing vines on wall trellises not only beautifies a home's exterior, but can also provide a cooling effect in summer. Wall trellises can also be used in place of traditional fencing panels with the arches attached on either side to securely installed wooden fence posts. Evergreen vines provide year-round privacy in such situations, while annual flowering vines create seasonal privacy and spectacular color.

Planting a vine on a trellis or obelisk set directly into the garden adds often needed height and focus to a garden bed. A pathway can be punctuated with a repetition of trellised vines, a statue or fountain can be highlighted with a trellis set behind, or an upright trellis can create a welcoming element at an entrance.

Selecting a Climbing Vine

Selecting your vine, of course, depends on its intended use, location, soil adaptability and type of support. You would want to choose a dense, coarse foliage, possibly evergreen, if a screen is needed. A fine-textured, slow-growing vine would work well to add interest to a stone or brick wall. Fragrant vines are a wonderful addition near doorways, pathways and entertaining areas. Smaller-growing vines and annuals are better suited to container and balcony growing, while vigorous vines such as grapes or wisteria would require sizable supports. Be sure to match your chosen vine to an appropriately proportioned and sturdy trellis.

Types of Vines - Three Methods of Climbing

Vines possess various methods of climbing, which influences the type of support needed: tendrils, twining, clinging, or scrambling. Your selection of vine type and support must be compatible.

Tendrils are slim, flexible leafless stems that wrap themselves around anything they contact. Clematis (leaf stems act as tendrils), passionvines, and grapes are examples of vines that climb by tendrils. Tendrilled vines will need supports such as wire, thin wood stakes, or trellises with bars up to about 3/4" in diameter.

Twining vines, such as honeysuckle and wisteria, wind their stems around any available support. Twining vines climb best on trellis bars or posts less than 4 inches wide. Extremely vigorous vines like wisteria should have a minimum wooden post of 4x4", or a trellis or obelisk constructed of sturdy steel.

Clinging vines, like Boston ivy, climb by attaching small root-like hold fasts to walls, trees or other rough-textured surfaces. Clinging vines can be used on either brick or masonry walls but should never be used on the walls of wooden buildings or shingled walls as they can cause damage. Others like climbing hydrangea, English Ivy and Wintercreeper climb via aerial rootlets, which can damage masonry and wood alike.
Scramblers are basically plants that produce very long shoots that will "scramble" along the ground unless trained to a support, such as bouganvillea, climbing roses, and plumbago.

Purple clematis on a black trellis against a white wall

Trellises mounted on walls or fences should be offset several inches to allow for air circulation beneficial for both the plant and for the prevention of algae, mold, or mildew growth on the surface behind. Classic Garden Elements Wall Trellis include sturdy installation brackets that ensure proper installation.

Vines for Trellises and Growing Tips

Hardy Vines

These are either deciduous or evergreen, and may be perennial or woody, and hardy at least as far north as zone 7. Perennial or woody vines hardy only up to zone 8 will be listed with "Tropical Vines" below. Vines typically grown from seed are listed under "Annual Vines." Common names may be shared by different species, so preferable native species are noted and invasive species are noted and should be avoided at all costs.

Common Name (Botanical Name) Zones	Height Climbing Method Growth Habits	Features	Siting & Growing
Large Flowered Clematis (Clematis hybrids) Cultivar 'Crystal Fountain' shown Zones 4-8	2-10' depending on cultivar Leaf tendrils Deciduous with somewhat delicate stems Some bloom on only new wood ("type 3", some on old and new ("type 2"), and some only on old wood ("type 1")	Flowers in white and shades of pink, blue, purple, and red Blooms 3" to 8" across, depending on cultivar and in various forms Vines are light enough to be grown with or over other shrubs, especially climbing roses Use on smaller trellises and obelisks	Prefers top in the sun to part sun with roots in the shade Regularly moist, well-drained soil Light afternoon shade in hot climates is appreciated Deer resistant, black walnut tolerant
Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans) Zones 4-9 Native to SE US Aggressive grower can become weedy - plant with caution	25-40' H x 5-10' W Clinging holdfasts and twining Suckering and self-seeding Deciduous Suckers (underground runners) can appear far from the parent plant	Bright orange trumpet-shaped flowers in summer attract hummingbirds Best used for very large trellises, fences, or pergolas With extensive and regular pruning, stems can be trained to a tall stake to create a standard weeping tree	Full sun to part shade Average water needs Deer, drought, and clay soil tolerant Tolerates shade but needs sun to flower Regular pruning essential to control spread
Trumpet Creeper Hybrids (Campsis x tagliabuana) Zones 6-10 Cross between native and Chinese species C. grandiflora is less rampant than native species Campsis 'Morning Calm' shown*	5-8' H x 4-8' W Clinging holdfasts and twining Suckering and self-seeding Deciduous Suckers (underground runners) can appear far from the parent plant	Summer Jazz 'Fire' (red) and 'Gold' (gold with red-veined throat) are currently the smallest varieties 'Morning Calm' (peachy orange), 'Apricot', and 'Indian Summer' (coral) are also more restrained Quick cover for smaller trellises and obelisks	Full sun to part shade Average water needs Deer, drought, and clay soil tolerant Tolerates shade but needs sun to flower Good for hot, dry sites and hummingbird gardens
Woodbine (Clematis virginiana) Native to Eastern Us Zones 3-8 May be too aggressive for small gardens Similar: Sweet Autumn Clematis - (Clematis terniflora) - Invasive!	12-20' H x 3-6' W Leaf tendrils with support; otherwise scrambles along the ground Suckering and self-seeding Deciduous, woody Blooms on new growth so can be pruned hard in early spring to control size	Sweetly fragrant 1" white flowers in panicles cover the plant for many weeks in fall Showy fluffy seed heads follow Good option for shaded areas and large trellises, arches, and pergolas	Full sun to part shade Average to wet well-drained soil Deer resistant and black walnut tolerant Blooms well in shade
Japanese Climbing Hydrangea (Schizophragma hydrangenoides) Cultivar 'Moonlight' shown with silver overlay on green leaves* Zones 5-9	20-30' H x 6-9' W Clinging rootlets Deciduous, woody Slow growth will be experienced the first few years until established	Lace-cap style 8 to 10" wide white flower clusters for many weeks in summer Pink flowered cultivar suited to smaller trellises and obelisks 'Moonlight' with silver overlaid on green leaves is beautiful in moon garden or shade garden Add interest on north or east side of house or fence Yellow fall color	Best in part to full shade Prefers moist, well-drained soil Usually no serious diseases or pests
Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris) Zones 4-8	30-60' Clinging rootlets, twining Deciduous, woody Growth rate slow until established, then fast Lateral branches can extend several feet, for a bushy, tiered look	Large (up to 10" across) white lace-cap style flowers in summer Exfoliating bark is attractive in winter Can cover large trellises and pergolas, fences, and walls Good choice for shady areas and north and east walls	Part shade to full shade Tolerates full sun with consistent moisture Moist, well-drained soil Dislikes extreme summer heat and humidity
Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens - Native) Cultivar 'Major Wheeler' shown* Zones 4-9 (Lonicera japonica - Invasive!) Many hybrids are not considered invasive, 'Goldflame,' for example	8-15' H x 3-6' W Twining Deciduous to semi-evergreen (zone 8 and south), woody A few varieties have slightly fragrant flowers, but most are not fragrant Prune as needed after flowering to control size	Showy clusters of small tubular flowers in shades of yellow, orange, or red in May-June Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and birds (berries) Beautiful color and attractive blue-green foliage for any size trellis or obelisk	Full sun to part shade Average, moist, well-drained soil preferred Deer resistant Tolerant of clay soil and planting near black walnut Watch for powdery mildew in hot, humid climates
Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) Native to southern east and central US Cultivar 'Margarita' shown* Zones (6)7-11	12-20' H x 3-6' W Twining Evergreen but semi-evergreen in northern zones; woody	Fragrant 1.5" funnel-shaped yellow flowers in early spring Use on trellises or arches in garden locations where early spring color is desired Adds privacy year round where evergreen	Plant in sun for best blooming Tolerates light shade Best in moist, fertile, well-drained soil
Grape (Vitis spp.) Fox Grape (Vitis labrusca) native to Eastern North America Zones 5-8 'Concord,' 'Catawba,' and 'Niagara' are popular fox grape cultivars	15-20' H x 15-20' W Tendrils Deciduous, woody	Large, coarse leaves create deep cover for privacy or shade Decorative clusters of edible fruit Greenish-white, airy flower panicles in May Yellow fall color Shaggy bark attractive in winter Can use vines for craft projects	Full sun Adaptable, but prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil Requires regular, careful pruning to maintain fruit production May need protection from deer and birds if fruit desired for you!
Dutchman's Pipe Aristolochia macrophylla and A. tomentosa (shown)* Native to SE and South Central US Zones 5-8 Larval foodsource for native pipe vine swallowtail butterflies	20-30' H x 5-10 W Twining Deciduous, woody Dense, fast growing foliage	Unique greenish-yellow flowers with dark centers shaped like curved pipes in spring Attractive, large, heart-shaped leaves Grow on large trellis for seasonal privacy or pergola or arbor for shade	Full sun to part shade Average to rich, moist, well-drained soil Not tolerant of dry sites Easy to grow from seed
Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) Zones 4-8 'Fenway Gold' (shown) is a chartreuse variety found near Fenway Park* 'Lowii' has smaller, more delicate leaves	30-50' H x 5-10' W Clinging holdfasts Deciduous (semi-evergreen in warmer zones), woody Fast growth rate but tolerant of pruning	3-lobed glossy leaves turn orange-red to deep reddish-purple in fall Famously grown at Boston Red Sox's Fenway Park Creates privacy on large trellises or shade on pergolas	Sun to part shade Moist, well-drained soil but generally adaptable Better with some shade in the south Tolerates full shade, clay soil, and planting near black walnut Deer resistant
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) Zones 3-9 Native to Eastern US 'Variegata' (shown) zones 4-11*	30'50' H x 5-10' W Clinging holdfasts Deciduous, woody Fast growth rate but tolerant of pruning 'Variegata' grows more slowly	Coarse foliage creates privacy Variegated and smaller leaf types available New foliage is purple, matures to green, with spectacular red fall color Creates privacy on large trellises or shade on pergolas Good for bird habitat for cover and fall berries	Easily grown in full sun to part shade Average, well-drained soil Tolerates full shade but best fall color with sun Deer & drought resistant Tolerant of clay soil, urban conditions, and planting near black walnut
Maypop; Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) Zones 5-9 Native to Eastern US Other species are not native - P. caerulea and P. edulis) P. caerulea Zones 7 to 9; benefits from warmth in winter from planting against brick wall in upper part of hardiness zones	6-8' H x 3-6' W Tendrils Deciduous, woody, but dies back to ground in northern zones New shoots may sprout far from the original plant P. incarnata alba has white flowers P. caerulea 10-25' x 3-6'	Fragrant, showy, and unusual large purple and white flowers in summer Edible yellow green fruit Attractive lobed green foliage covers quickly Can be used small to large trellises or arches Food source for butterfly caterpillars, so be prepared to share Prefers a large container	Full to part sun Average, well-drained soil Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots Tolerates sandy or gravelly soil and drought Benefits from mulching root area; fertilization favors foliage growth Don't trellis or tie in too neatly - loosely hanging branches tend to bloom better
American Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) Native (cultivar 'Longwood Purple shown)* Zones 4-9 (Wisteria chinensis and Wisteria floribunda - Invasive!)	25-30' with smaller cultivars available Twining Deciduous, woody Blooms on current season's growth Less rampant growth than Chinese or Japanese Wisteria, but requires sturdy support	Huge, fragrant purple, blue, or white flower panicles appear with the leaves in spring With extensive and regular pruning, stems can be trained to a tall stake to create a standard weeping tree	Full sun to part shade Moist, well-drained soil Over-fertilization can favor vegetative growth vs. flowering Can be pruned in dormant period and after flowering throughout summer as needed to control size without disrupting blooming
Cross Vine (Bignonia capreolata) Zones 5-9 Native to Eastern US 'Tangerine Beauty' reblooms sporadically into fall and is more compact than species, Z 6-11	up to 50' H x 6-9' W; smaller cultivars available generally 15-30' Tendrils and clinging holdfasts Evergreen to semi-evergreen or deciduous, woody but may die back to the ground in northern zones Can spread by underground runners Fast-growing	Trumpet-shaped fragrant orange, red, or yellow flowers in late spring Attracts hummingbirds Fall color reddish-purple where deciduous Provides seasonal or year-round privacy and shade grown on large trellises or arbors More compact cultivars suitable for smaller trellises and obelisks	Full sun for best flowering but tolerates full shade Soil adaptable May require control of spread by runners in garden beds
Kiwi Vine (Actinidia arguta & A. kolomikta) Zones 3-8 and 4-8 A. kolomikta is known as variegated kiwi vine, with pink, white, and green leaves and purplish green new growth	A. arguta 25-30' H x 7-20' W; A. kolomikta15-20'H x 6-10' W Twining Deciduous, woody A. kolomikta male plants have best color, so only plant female if fruit desired	Edible grape-sized green fruit Greenish white fragrant flowers in spring Fast growing cover for large wall trellises or arbors Variegated kiwi vine more suited to gardens and large trellises than A. arguta due to reduced size	Full sun to part shade Average, moist, well-drained soil Needs frequent pruning to control For fruiting must plant male and female Less fertile soil may help to control rapid growth

Annual Vines

These are vines that gardeners in most of the US will plant yearly, often from seed. Some may reseed themselves, or seed can be saved for next year's planting. As they bloom on new growth, size can be controlled to grow on any size support. Most grow quickly enough to cover a tall trellis in one season - plant 1' apart on average if good coverage is desired. When grown in containers size will be restricted.

Common Name (Botanical Name) Zones	Height Climbing Method Growth Habits	Features	Siting & Growing
Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)	Up to 15' Twining Not frost tolerant Nick seed coat & soak overnight to spur germination Blooms midsummer to frost	4-inch white, very fragrant flowers open at dusk and last until morning Rapid grower with large heart-shaped leaves Plant where nighttime fragrance will be appreciated Seeds can be saved for planting the following year	Full sun Average, moist, well-drained soil Use plantable pots to avoid root disturbance when transplanting Over fertilization may favor foliage production over flowers Start seeds indoors and plant after last frost for earlier bloom
Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea)	6-10' or more Twining Not frost tolerant Fast growing Nick seed coat & soak overnight to spur germination Blooms midsummer to frost	3 to 5 inch flowers in purple, blue, white, pink, or red open in the morning and close in the afternoon May reseed or seeds can be saved and planted the following year	Full sun Average, moist, well-drained soil Use plantable pots to avoid root disturbance when transplanting Over fertilization may favor foliage production over flowers Start seeds indoors 6-8 wks before last frost for earlier bloom
Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus)	Up to 6' Twining Deadhead to prolong bloom	Most very fragrant, some more heat tolerant than others Flowers blue, purple, red, pink or white in spring	Full to part sun Prefers cool temperatures Moist, well-drained soil
Scarlet Runner Bean (Phaseolus coccineus) Zone 7-11 'Golden Sunshine' has chartreuse leaves 'Painted Lady has bicolor red and white flowers (shown) 'Moonlight' has white flowers 'Sunset' has pink flowers	Up to 15' H x 6-8' W Twining Evergreen in warm climates Fast growing Short-lived perennial that can resprout from tuberous roots Can save seeds or dig & save roots for next year's planting	Fiery red, pink, or white flower racemes up to 20" long Edible beans with pods up to one foot long; can be eaten whole when young or as individual beans 3-leaflet (trifoliate) green leaves Heirloom varieites must not be grown near others as they will cross-pollinate	Full sun Rich, well-drained soil Overfertilization will sacrifice flowering for foliage production Less productive in hot weather Blooms 8 weeks after sowing May be planted direct when soil temperature above 50 degrees, but protect foliage from frost
Black Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata) Zones 9-10	Up to 8' as annual, with 3-5' likely Twining Evergreen where hardy Blooms midsummer to frost Seed germination may take 10-21 days	Orange flowers with black centers, but also white and shades of yellow, pink, and peach available Beautiful grown together with morning glories or hyacinth bean Suitable for small obelisks or trellises in ground or container	Full sun Rich, moist, well-drained soil Tolerates partial shade with reduced flowering May bloom indoors in winter in sunny spot with night temps over 60 degrees Fertilize 2X per month in containers
Cup and Saucer Vine (Cobaea scandens) Zones 9-11	10-20' H x 3-6' W as an annual Leaf Tendrils Evergreen where hardy Extremely fast growing and vigorous Believed to be pollinated by bats	Very large greenish-white blooms with musky scent mature to purple Needs a larger support as it can grow quite large in one season Good vine for seasonal privacy	Full sun Average, moist, well-drained soil Benefits from some afternoon shade where summers are very hot Start seeds indoors and plant after last frost for earlier bloom
Spanish Flag (Mina lobata, Ipomoea lobata) Zones 10-11	10-16' H x 1-2' W Twining No frost tolerance Fast growing Nick and soak seed before planting Blooms midsummer to frost	6" long spikes of flowers start out red and mature to yellow and cream 2-6" long 3-lobed leaves Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies	Full sun; tolerates some shade but blooming is reduced Best in rich, moist, well-drained soil Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before last frost
Hyacinth Bean Vine (Dolichos lablab; Lablab purpureus) Zones 10-11	10-20' H x 3-6' W Twining Fast growing May self-seed for the following year, or seeds can be saved and replanted Blooms summer to frost	Purple, pink, or white pea-like flower spikes Shiny bright purple seed pods are edible when young but toxic when mature Leaves are tinged with purple Good vine for screening purposes in summer and fall	Full to part sun Average, well-drained soil Drought tolerant Start seeds indoors and plant after last frost for earlier bloom Japanese beetles are fond of the foliage, but plants usually rebound well
Cypress Vine & Cardinal Climber (Ipomoea quamoclit and I. x mulitifida, I. x sloteri) Zones 11-12 (Cardinal climber shown)	6-10' but may reach 20' Twining No frost tolerance Nick seed coat & soak overnight to spur germination Usually reseeds in zones 6-10	Bright red small flowers Cardinal vine foliage is ferny, cypress vine leaves even finer Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies Highly serrated foliage adds interesting texture even when not in bloom	Full sun Best in average, moist, well-drained soil Cypress vine tolerates drought and wet soil Use plantable pots to avoid root disturbance when transplanting Deer resistant
Purple Bell Vine (Rhodochiton atrosanguineum) Zones 9-11	up to 10' H x 1' W Twining May be slow to establish from seed, but grows rapidly thereafter	Purple bell-shaped flowers with deeper purple with protruding darker purple calyx that resembles the bell's clapper Flowers midsummer to frost Heart shaped, deeply veined leaves	Best growth and blooming in full sun but tolerates partial shade Fertile, moist, well-drained soil Needs warm temperatures to bloom

Tropical Vines

These may be hardy in parts of the deep South. In northern zones they are used as annuals, or overwintered inside where appropriate.

Common Name (Botanical Name) Zones	Height Climbing Method Growth Habits	Features	Siting & Growing
Mandevilla and Dipladenia Zones 10-11 Can be overwintered inside	up to 10-15'; smaller as container plant Twining, but some dipladenia has been bred to be more bushy than climbing; woody Evergreen where hardy Fairly fast growing, typically 3 to 5' in a season in container	Funnel-shaped flowers in white or shades of red, pink, orange, or yellow Mandevilla leaves tend to be larger and coarser than dipladenia Minimum 3' to 5' trellis or obelisk for containerized plants grown as annuals	Full sun to light shade Well-drained soil Overwinter inside in sunny window or dormant above freezing Look out for mealybugs and spider mite
Bougainvillea Zones 9-11	15-40' H - 15-40' W 1-2" thorns hook around support, but tying in may be necessary Deciduous or evergreen depending on species, woody	Actual flowers are inconspicuous, hidden by large bracts in purple, pink, red, white, lavender, or orange Can be pruned into columns, pyramids, or standard "lollipop" tree shapes Best on large trellises or arbors, or at least 6-8 foot obelisk with regular pruning	Full sun to light shade Well-drained, acid soil Hot, dry sites are well-tolerated but blooms better with adequate moisture Needs dormant period with cooler temperatures to bloom Fertilize twice monthly during growing season Keep dry in winter
Sky Vine, Clock Vine (Thunbergia grandiflora) Zones 10-11 Photo courtesy Unsplash	15-30' H x 3-6' W where hardy 6-8' H when grown as annual Twining Evergreen and everblooming where hardy Native to India	Lavender blue trumpet shaped flowers with yellow throats in August to September when grown as annual	Full to part sun Afternoon shade appreciated in hot summer climates Rich, moist, well-drained soil Can overwinter indoors
Cape Leadwort (Plumbago auriculata) Zones 8 to 11	6-7' H x 8-10' W where hardy 1-3' high and wide as annual Scrambler - needs to be tied in to grow upright, but sends out long, pliable shoots Evergreen where hardy Native to South Africa	Clusters of soft blue flowers in summer Small green leaves Bring in for winter in sunny spot or as dormant plant & prune hard in late winter	Full to part sun Rich, moist, well-drained soil Drought tolerant once established, but best with consistent moisture Easy to grow from seed, but will not bloom until second year
Passionflower (Passiflora spp.) P. coccinea Zones 10-11 'Lady Margaret' shown, photo courtesy Top Tropicals Inc., www.toptropicals.com	10-12' H x 3-6' W Leaf tendrils Evergreen Blooms on new growth	Large red flowers with white center Blooms July through September Grow as annual on small to medium trellis or obelisk where not hardy Grow in container for ease of overwintering indoors	Full sun to light shade Average, well-drained soil overwinter in cool (60 degree) bright conditions Keep drier in fall through winter when overwintering in containers
Golden Trumpet Vine, Brown Bud Allamanda (Allamanda cathartica var. hendersonii) Zones 9-11	4-6' as annual Scambler, long shoots must be tied in Evergreen, woody Does not overwinter indoors easily due to high light and humidity needs	Golden yellow trumpet flowers fragrant at night Glossy 6" long leaves Blooms summer to fall var. hendersonii has smaller flowers than the species, with brown buds and white or orange markings in the throat, clustered at stem tips	Full sun Rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil Best with hot, humid nights above 60 degrees Fertilize 2x monthly during growing season If overwintering inside keep fairly dry once blooming ceases
Confederate Jasmine, Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) Zones 8-10	Up to 20' with support x 6-9' W Twining Evergreen, woody	Glossy, 3.5" oval green leaves Very fragrant, star-shaped white flowers in spring with sporadic rebloom in summer Grow on obelisk or trellis in container where not hardy to facilitate overwintering indoors Can be pruned to neatly cover wall trellises if desired	Full sun to part shade Moist, well-drained, loamy soil stuff Will tolerate shade but flowering and growth greatly reduced Can be overwintered inside

*Photos courtesy Brushwood Nursery, www.brushwoodnursery.com - Clematis and Vine Specialist Grower

**Photos courtesy US Perennials, www.usperennials.com - Native Plant Specialist Grower

Climbing Vines to Avoid Planting in Your Garden

The below list includes vines that have been declared invasive in at least one state in the US. Alternatives are listed here as well.

Wisteria, Chinese and Japanese: Just no reason to plant this. Native Wisteria frustescens is more appropriate in size for most uses, being half the enormous mature size of the others. It still grows quickly and needs a sizeable, sturdy support, however. The flowers are equally attractive, and cultivars in white and different shades of blue or purple are available. Blooming is on new wood, so a bit later than the invasive species and with the leaves. This does make the timing of pruning much easier (when dormant), and can also be pruned as needed after blooming to control size without worrying about removing flower buds.

Honeysuckle, Japanese: Native species and cultivars are just as attractive, although most are not fragrant. Hybrids and native cultivars are also more restrained and better suited to typical garden situtations.

Chocolate Vine (Akebia quinata): Planted for its unique chocolate scented dark purple-maroon flowers, but the vigorous (up to 40') growth and ability to withstand full sun, shade, and various soil conditions are problematic. It creates mats of foliage that can smother other plants, and has been deemed invasive in some areas. Native honeysuckle would be a good substitute, or annual moonflower if fragrance is desired.

English Ivy (Hedera helix): At its worst when allowed to climb, as it rarely flowers when not growing upward. Seeds formed after blooming are dispersed widely by birds, spreading everywhere. Unfortunately, there is not a substitute reliably evergreen climber for zones above 6-7. Where privacy is desired in northerly space-restricted locations, consider planting narrow upright evergreen varieties of arborvitae, juniper, or Japanese holly. Climbing hydrangea and Japanese climbing hydrangea are deciduous but have similar growth habits and offer attractive flowers and winter bark as well.

Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora): Again, no reason to plant this, as native Clematis virginiana is the preferred choice and grows and looks very similar.

Ways to Use Vines on Trellises and Obelisks in the Garden and Landscape

Freestanding trellis adds structure to entranceway garden bed
Trellis planted with clematis adds privacy against this chain link fence
Statuary is highlighted with a curved trellis planted with clematis set behind
Climbing roses and clematis is a popular choice with myriad combinations, each one utterly striking
An obelisk planted with sweet peas creates height and interest at the edge of a pathway

Multiple obelisks create a fabulous display in this raised bed garden design
Freestanding trellises anchor this corner of a landscape - an excellent choice to add a strong vertical element and color without shading out the lawn
Clematis grows well with other other plants - here, red clematis and orange honeysuckle create a dynamic summer show
Obelisks planted with red roses and purple clematis flank a memorial bench , creating a more intimate space
Wall trellises can be used to espalier scrambling plants or "regular" growers like magnolia, pyracantha, camellia, ceanothus, figs, and fruit trees

Note: The term "native" in our articles applies to both native species and "nativars," or named cultivars of native species. Our plant recommendations are only suggestions, and may not be appropriate for your particular area. Always consult your local cooperative extension service, master gardener's program, or state natural resources department for information on what plants may be invasive in your location. Thank you!

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Vines

Growing Vines on Trellises and Obelisks

Selecting a Climbing Vine

Types of Vines - Three Methods of Climbing

Vines for Trellises and Growing Tips

Hardy Vines

Common Name(Botanical Name)Zones

Image

HeightClimbing MethodGrowth Habits

Features

Siting & Growing

Annual Vines

Common Name(Botanical Name)Zones

Image

HeightClimbing MethodGrowth Habits

Features

Siting & Growing

Tropical Vines

Common Name(Botanical Name)Zones

Image

HeightClimbing MethodGrowth Habits

Features

Siting & Growing

Climbing Vines to Avoid Planting in Your Garden

Ways to Use Vines on Trellises and Obelisks in the Garden and Landscape

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Common Name
(Botanical Name)
Zones

Height
Climbing Method
Growth Habits

Common Name
(Botanical Name)
Zones

Height
Climbing Method
Growth Habits

Common Name
(Botanical Name)
Zones

Height
Climbing Method
Growth Habits