What to Grow on a Trellis

A trellis, a vertical garden structure, is not just a support system for plants but a canvas for a myriad of growth possibilities. Whether you're aiming for a lush, green wall or a vibrant, colorful display, understanding what can grow on a trellis is key to creating your perfect vertical garden.

Trellises come in various materials like wood, metal, and plastic, and their designs range from simple lattices to intricate patterns. Regardless of the type, they all serve the same purpose: to provide support and encourage upward growth. But what plants can you grow on a trellis?

Vines and Climbing Plants

Vines and climbing plants are the most obvious choices for trellises. These plants use tendrils, runners, or aerial roots to cling to supports and grow upwards.

Some popular vine and climbing plants include:

• Ivy (Hedera helix): A classic choice for covering walls and fences, ivy has glossy leaves and can tolerate a wide range of conditions.
• Jasmine (Jasminum spp.): Known for its fragrant white or yellow flowers, jasmine is a fast-growing vine that thrives in full sun to partial shade.
• Wisteria (Wisteria spp.): This showy vine produces beautiful purple, pink, or white flowers in spring. It's a vigorous grower that needs strong support.

Annual Vines

Annual vines are great for adding quick color to your trellis. They complete their life cycle in one growing season, but they grow rapidly and provide abundant blooms.

Some annual vine options are:

• Morning Glories (Ipomoea purpurea): These vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon. They come in various colors and are easy to grow from seed.
• Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus): These edible flowers grow quickly and produce an abundance of orange, red, or yellow blooms. They also help deter pests like aphids.

Perennial Vines

Perennial vines come back year after year, providing long-term coverage for your trellis. They require less maintenance than annuals but may take longer to establish.

Some perennial vine options are:

• Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata): This deciduous vine turns brilliant red in fall and provides good fall color for your trellis. It's also a good choice for covering walls and fences.
• Clematis (Clematis spp.): With over 300 species, clematis offers a wide range of flower colors and shapes. They bloom at different times throughout the growing season, providing continuous color.

Fruiting Plants

Many fruit-bearing plants can be grown on trellises, saving space and making harvesting easier. Here are a few options:

Some fruiting plants that grow well on trellises include:

• Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus): These vining plants produce fruits along their length and can be grown on a simple trellis or a more elaborate cage.
• Peas (Pisum sativum): Pea plants have tendrils that wrap around supports as they grow. They produce their fruits along their stems.
• Grapes (Vitis spp.): Grapes require a strong, sturdy trellis to support their weight. They produce clusters of fruits along their shoots.

Berries

Many berry plants are also suitable for trellises. They produce fruits on their stems and can be pruned to encourage upward growth.

Some berry plants that can be grown on trellises are:

• Raspberries (Rubus idaeus): These prickly canes produce fruits along their length and can be trained to grow on a trellis.
• Blackberries (Rubus fruticosus): Similar to raspberries, blackberries produce fruits on their canes and can be grown on a trellis.
• Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.): While not a vine, blueberry bushes can be trained to grow on a trellis, especially in smaller, container-grown varieties.

Trellises offer a wealth of possibilities for vertical gardening. Whether you're growing flowers, fruits, or vegetables, understanding what can grow on a trellis opens up a world of design possibilities. So go ahead, let your garden grow up!