Trellis Planting Guide: What to Grow Upward

When it comes to maximizing space and adding vertical interest to your garden, planting on a trellis is an excellent strategy. A well-planned trellis garden can transform a bare wall or fence into a lush, living canvas. But with so many plants to choose from, deciding what to plant on a trellis can be overwhelming. Let's delve into the world of trellis gardening and explore the best plants to grow for a stunning, vertical display.

Trellises provide support and structure for plants, allowing them to grow upwards rather than outwards. This is particularly beneficial for plants with tendrils, vines, or climbing habits. By guiding these plants to grow vertically, you can create a beautiful, space-saving garden that adds height and dimension to your outdoor space.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Trellis

Selecting the right plants for your trellis involves considering factors such as sunlight exposure, soil type, and the plant's growth habit. Here, we'll focus on plants that thrive in various conditions and provide a mix of colors, textures, and blooms for a captivating display.

Before we dive into specific plant suggestions, let's discuss the different types of trellises and their suitability for various plants.

Trellis Types and Plant Compatibility

Trellises come in various shapes and sizes, from simple wooden lattices to ornate metal structures. Some common trellis types include:

• Lattice Trellises: Ideal for plants with tendrils or vines that can weave through the openings, such as climbing roses, clematis, and jasmine.
• Picket Fence Trellises: Suitable for plants with runners or stems that can be trained to grow along the horizontal slats, like peas, beans, and some varieties of ivy.
• Arch or Pergola Trellises: Perfect for plants that can grow over the top and cascade down the sides, such as wisteria, bougainvillea, and Boston ivy.

Understanding the structure of your trellis will help you choose plants that are well-suited to its design and provide the best possible growth.

Plants for Sunlit Trellises

If your trellis is placed in a sunny location, you have a wealth of vibrant, blooming plants to choose from. Consider the following options for a dazzling display:

• Clematis: This versatile vine produces stunning flowers in various colors and shapes, making it an excellent choice for lattice or arch trellises. Some popular varieties include 'Jackmanii', 'Nelly Moser', and 'Henryi'.
• Jasmine: With its intoxicating fragrance and delicate white or yellow flowers, jasmine is a delightful addition to any trellis. 'Arabian Night' and 'Mollie Rilstone' are popular choices for their profuse blooms and vigorous growth.
• Wisteria: This dramatic vine produces stunning clusters of purple, blue, or white flowers and is well-suited to arch or pergola trellises. Keep in mind that wisteria is a heavy feeder and requires regular pruning to maintain its health and prevent it from becoming invasive.
• Passionflower: With its exotic, vibrant flowers and unique fruit, passionflower is a striking choice for trellises in full sun. 'Incense' and 'Mayflower' are two popular varieties that produce an abundance of blooms.

By selecting a mix of plants with different bloom times, you can ensure that your trellis garden remains colorful and captivating throughout the growing season.

Shade-Loving Plants for Trellises

Even if your trellis is located in a shady spot, there are plenty of beautiful plants that can thrive and add vertical interest to your garden. Consider the following options for a lush, verdant display:

• Hydrangea: This versatile shrub produces attractive flowers and is well-suited to trellises in partial shade. 'Annabelle' and 'Endless Summer' are popular varieties that can be trained to grow on a trellis.
• English Ivy: With its glossy leaves and trailing growth habit, English ivy is an excellent choice for covering trellises in shady locations. 'Boston' and 'Dublin' are popular varieties that can be trained to grow on a trellis or allowed to cascade down the sides.
• Honeysuckle: This fragrant vine produces tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. 'Goldflame' and 'Major Wheeler' are popular varieties that can thrive in partial shade.
• Coral Bells (Heuchera): With their attractive foliage and delicate flowers, coral bells are a stunning addition to any trellis garden. 'Frosted Violet' and 'Palace Purple' are popular varieties that can tolerate partial shade.

When selecting plants for a shady trellis, focus on foliage color and texture to create a visually appealing display.

Planting and Caring for Your Trellis Garden

Once you've chosen the perfect plants for your trellis, it's time to prepare your garden and ensure that your plants thrive in their new vertical home.

Before planting, make sure your trellis is securely anchored to the ground and can support the weight of the plants you've selected. If your trellis is made of wood, consider treating it with a weather-resistant sealant to protect it from the elements.

Preparing the Soil

Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Before planting, test your soil's pH and nutrient levels, and amend it as needed with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. This will provide your plants with the essential nutrients they need to grow strong and vigorous.

Planting Your Trellis Garden

When planting, space your plants appropriately to allow for growth and provide adequate support as they climb. For plants with tendrils or vines, gently weave them through the trellis as you plant, encouraging them to attach and grow in the right direction.

After planting, water your trellis garden thoroughly to help the plants establish roots and adapt to their new environment. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and provide additional support as needed to help your plants grow strong and upright.

Training and Pruning

As your plants grow, they may require training and pruning to maintain their shape and encourage healthy growth. For plants with tendrils or vines, gently guide them to grow in the desired direction, weaving them through the trellis as needed. Regular pruning can help control the size and shape of your plants, as well as promote bushier growth and more abundant blooms.

By providing the right care and support, your trellis garden can become a stunning, vertical oasis that adds beauty and interest to your outdoor space.

Embracing the art of trellis gardening allows you to create a unique, captivating display that showcases the beauty of plants in a whole new way. With the right plants and a little TLC, your trellis garden can become a living masterpiece that brings joy and inspiration to all who see it.

So go ahead, let your imagination run wild, and create a trellis garden that reflects your personal style and brings your outdoor space to life. Happy gardening!