Best Plants to Grow Under a Trellis

Trellises are a gardener's best friend, providing vertical space for plants to grow and thrive. But with so many options, deciding what to grow under a trellis can be overwhelming. Let's explore some of the best plants to grow under a trellis, categorized by their growth habits and the support they need.

Trellises come in various shapes and sizes, from simple wooden lattices to ornate metal structures. They are perfect for small gardens or patios, as they maximize space and create stunning visual effects. By choosing the right plants, you can transform your trellis into a vibrant, living wall that attracts pollinators and enhances your outdoor space.

Vining Plants

Vining plants are the most common choice for trellises due to their tendency to climb and spread. They have tendrils, runners, or other features that allow them to attach themselves to supports and grow upwards.

Vines can be annual or perennial, and they come in a variety of sizes, colors, and textures. When selecting vines for your trellis, consider the mature size of the plant, as well as its growth rate and maintenance requirements.

Annual Vines

Annual vines are easy to grow and provide quick coverage for trellises. They complete their life cycle in one growing season, making them perfect for adding instant impact to your garden.

Some popular annual vines include:

• Morning Glories (Ipomoea purpurea): These fast-growing vines produce stunning, trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors. They are heat-tolerant and attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
• Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata): This vigorous grower features yellow, orange, or white trumpet-shaped flowers with dark centers. It's drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators.
• English Ivy (Hedera helix): While often thought of as a perennial, English ivy can be grown as an annual in warmer climates. It provides dense, evergreen coverage and can be trained to grow on trellises.

Perennial Vines

Perennial vines return year after year, providing long-term coverage and beauty for your trellis. They are low-maintenance and often require less water once established.

Some popular perennial vines include:

• Wisteria: A deciduous vine with stunning purple, white, or pink flower clusters. It's a vigorous grower that requires regular pruning and support. Avoid planting near power lines or structures you don't want to be climbed.
• Clematis: This versatile vine comes in various sizes and flower colors. Some varieties bloom in spring, while others bloom in summer or fall. Many clematis species are fast-growing and provide excellent coverage for trellises.
• Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata): A deciduous vine that provides dense, evergreen-like coverage in summer and vibrant fall colors. It's a vigorous grower that attaches to supports using adhesive disks.

Climbing Plants

Climbing plants differ from vines in that they have stems or branches that grow upwards and require support to grow vertically. They often have aerial roots or tendrils that help them cling to surfaces.

Climbing plants can add height and drama to your garden, creating a lush, vertical oasis. When selecting climbing plants, consider their mature size, growth rate, and the type of support they need.

Woody Climbers

Woody climbers have woody stems and grow at a moderate to fast rate. They provide structure and evergreen or deciduous foliage, depending on the species.

Some popular woody climbers include:

• Roses: Many rose varieties are climbing or rambling roses, featuring an abundance of flowers and thorny canes. They require regular pruning and support to grow vertically.
• Jasmine: This fragrant, deciduous climber produces white or yellow flowers in summer. Some varieties are evergreen and provide dense coverage.
• Wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius): A deciduous climber with white spring flowers and red summer berries. It's a vigorous grower that requires strong support and regular pruning.

Herbaceous Climbers

Herbaceous climbers have green, herbaceous stems that die back to the ground each winter. They grow at a moderate to fast rate and provide lush foliage and flowers.

Some popular herbaceous climbers include:

• Hydrangea: Many hydrangea species are climbing or vine-like, featuring large, showy flowers in summer. They require regular pruning and support to grow vertically.
• Honeysuckle: This fragrant, deciduous climber produces tubular, nectar-rich flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It's a vigorous grower that requires strong support.
• Passionflower (Passiflora): This exotic, deciduous climber features unique, colorful flowers and edible fruit. It's a vigorous grower that attracts pollinators and requires strong support.

When selecting plants for your trellis, consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve, as well as the maintenance required for each plant. By choosing a mix of annual and perennial vines, as well as climbing plants, you can create a vibrant, living wall that enhances your outdoor space and provides habitat for pollinators. Happy gardening!