Top Plants to Grow on Trellis: A Vertical Gardening Guide

Trellises are versatile structures that not only provide support for plants but also create visually appealing vertical gardens. When deciding what to grow on a trellis, it's essential to consider the plant's size, growth habit, and support needs. This guide will explore the best plants for trellises, categorized by their growth habits and support requirements.

Trellises come in various shapes and sizes, from simple wooden frames to elaborate metal structures. They can be freestanding or attached to walls, fences, or buildings. By understanding what grows best on trellises, you can create stunning, space-saving gardens that maximize your outdoor space.

Vining Plants: The Backbone of Trellis Gardening

Vining plants are the most common choices for trellises due to their tendency to grow along supports rather than upright. They have weak stems that require assistance to climb, making trellises an ideal growing structure.

Vines can be further categorized into self-clinging and non-self-clinging varieties. Self-clinging vines have tendrils, suckers, or adhesive pads that help them attach to supports, while non-self-clinging vines rely on their tendrils to wrap around supports.

Self-Clinging Vines

Self-clinging vines are easy to grow on trellises as they naturally attach themselves to supports. Examples include:

• English Ivy (Hedera helix): A popular choice for covering walls and fences, English Ivy has dark green leaves and can tolerate shade.
• Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata): Similar to English Ivy, Boston Ivy has smaller leaves and changes color in the fall, providing excellent fall foliage.

Non-Self-Clinging Vines

Non-self-clinging vines require some assistance to train them onto trellises. However, they often produce beautiful flowers and can be easily guided with soft ties or garden twine.

• Clematis: Known for their stunning flowers, clematis vines come in various sizes and colors. They require support and should be tied to the trellis as they grow.
• Jasmine (Jasminum): Fragrant jasmine vines produce white or yellow flowers and can be trained onto trellises. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.

Climbing Plants: Reaching for the Sky

Climbing plants have strong, woody stems that grow upward, seeking support to reach greater heights. They differ from vines in that they have a more robust structure and can support their own weight.

Climbing plants often have tendrils, aerial roots, or other adaptations that help them attach to supports. They can be trained onto trellises or allowed to grow on walls, fences, or other structures.

Tendril Climbers

Tendril climbers have delicate, winding tendrils that wrap around supports. They are easy to train onto trellises and can provide excellent coverage.

• Wisteria: A stunning vine with purple, lavender, or white flowers, wisteria is a vigorous grower that requires strong support and regular pruning.
• Honeysuckle (Lonicera): Fragrant honeysuckle vines produce trumpet-shaped flowers and attract hummingbirds and butterflies. They can be trained onto trellises or allowed to grow on walls.

Aerial Root Climbers

Aerial root climbers produce small roots from their stems that anchor them to supports. They are often heavy feeders and require rich, well-draining soil.

• Ivy (Hedera): English Ivy and other ivy species have aerial roots that allow them to cling to walls and trellises. They provide excellent coverage and can tolerate shade.
• Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): A popular houseplant, Boston fern can also be grown outdoors on trellises or walls. It produces aerial roots that anchor it to supports and prefers high humidity and partial shade.

Incorporating a mix of vines and climbing plants on your trellises can create a lush, vertical garden that provides year-round interest. By selecting plants that complement each other in size, color, and growth habit, you can design a stunning outdoor space that maximizes your garden's potential. So go ahead, embrace the vertical garden trend, and watch your trellises come to life with beautiful, thriving plants.