What to Plant on a Trellis: Vertical Gardening Ideas

When it comes to maximizing your garden's vertical space, trellises are an excellent tool. They not only provide support for climbing plants but also add a charming touch to your landscape. But with so many plant options, you might be wondering, "What should I plant in a trellis?" Let's explore some of the best plants for trellises, categorized by their growth habits and the support they need.

Before we dive in, remember that the key to successful trellising is choosing plants that are naturally climbers or have tendrils, runners, or vines. These plants will naturally attach themselves to the trellis, making your job easier. Now, let's get started!

Annual Climbers

Annual climbers are fast-growing plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season. They're perfect for adding quick color and coverage to your trellis.

Here are two popular annual climbers that thrive on trellises:

Morning Glories

Morning glories (Ipomoea purpurea) are beloved for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the morning and close in the afternoon. They produce tendrils that cling to trellises, making them an excellent choice for vertical gardening. Plant them in full sun and well-draining soil for the best results.

Some popular varieties include 'Heavenly Blue,' 'Grandpa Otts,' and 'Crimson Flash,' which offer a range of colors from deep blue to purple and red.

Cup and Saucer Vine

The cup and saucer vine (Cobaea scandens) is a stunning annual climber with unique, cup-shaped flowers that resemble, well, cups and saucers. This fast-growing plant produces long tendrils that wrap around trellises, making it an excellent choice for adding height and interest to your garden.

Plant cup and saucer vine in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It's also a great plant for attracting hummingbirds!

Perennial Climbers

Perennial climbers are long-lived plants that return year after year, providing consistent beauty and structure to your trellis.

Here are two perennial climbers that will add charm and character to your garden:

Clematis

Clematis is a large genus of perennial vines known for their showy flowers that bloom in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Many clematis varieties are excellent climbers, producing flowers that can be as small as 1.5 inches or as large as 10 inches in diameter.

Some popular clematis varieties for trellises include 'Jackmanii' (deep purple flowers), 'Nelly Moser' (rose-pink flowers with white stripes), and 'Henryi' (white flowers with yellow anthers). When planting clematis, make sure to provide support for the plant's roots and keep the soil consistently moist.

Boston Ivy

Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) is a vigorous, deciduous vine that produces small, greenish-white flowers in the summer and changes color to brilliant red in the fall. This plant is an excellent choice for trellises, as it produces small, adhesive disks that allow it to cling to surfaces.

Boston ivy is also a great plant for providing shade, as it can cover large areas quickly. However, it's essential to keep in mind that this plant can be invasive in some areas, so check with your local nursery before planting.

Vegetable Climbers

Trellises aren't just for ornamental plants – they're also perfect for growing vegetables. Here are two vegetable climbers that will help you maximize your garden's space:

Cucumbers

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are vining plants that produce tendrils, making them an excellent choice for trellises. Growing cucumbers vertically not only saves space but also keeps the fruit clean and makes harvesting easier.

When planting cucumbers, choose a variety specifically bred for trellising, such as 'Tendergreen' or 'Salad Bush.' Provide a sturdy trellis with strong, horizontal supports to accommodate the plant's growth.

Peas

Peas (Pisum sativum) are cool-season legumes that produce tendrils as they grow. These tendrils allow peas to climb trellises, making them an ideal choice for vertical gardening.

When selecting a pea variety for trellising, look for bush varieties like 'Sugar Snap' or 'Snowbird,' which are more compact and produce fewer tendrils than traditional peas. Plant peas in full sun and well-draining soil, and provide a sturdy trellis with strong, horizontal supports.

Now that you know which plants to choose for your trellis, it's time to get started on your vertical gardening adventure! Remember to consider the plant's size, growth habit, and care requirements when selecting the perfect trellis for your garden. Happy planting!