When it comes to painting the canvas of your garden, climbing flowering perennials can splash your vertical spaces with a riot of colors and scents. With a gentle push, these lively plants will start reaching for the sky, adding dimension and a touch of drama to your plain old garden walls and fences.
I know what you might be thinking. You’re probably picturing the ivies and jasmines you see every day, and while those are lovely, trust me—there’s a greenhouse of dramatic climbers waiting to take your garden from ‘meh’ to ‘marvelous’!
In this extensive rundown, we will cover 16 of the best climbing flowering perennials that can enrich your slice of nature with year-round beauty.
Benefits of Climbing Flowering Perennials
The Vertical Enhancers
Gardening horizontally is so blasé! Climbing perennials provide that wow factor by expertly claiming your garden’s often-neglected vertical real estate.
From cascading florals to lush, beautiful blooms, climbers poke at the sky and declare their sovereignty of space.
The Garden Savers
Have you found yourself mid-crisis, trying to figure out how to add greenery to your garden design without sacrificing the play area? Climbing perennials to the rescue! They save you precious ground space, allowing for a garden that grows up, not necessarily out.
The Low-Maintenance Charms
Many climbing perennials are set-it-and-forget-it additions, meaning you can indulge your gardening passion where it’s sometimes undervalued—in enjoying the view.
These low-maintenance wonders are often drought-resistant and full of ‘I can’t believe it’s still alive’ surprises.
Selection Criteria for Climbing Flowering Perennials
Sunlit Gospel
Understand your garden’s sunlight regime. Some climbing perennials crave the spotlight and full sun, while others are content lurking in the shadows of your taller trees, flourishing in partial shade.
Support Systems
Like your life, these climbers need some support to keep their balance. Whether trellises, arbors, or pergolas, you must play matchmaker between the vine and its main squeeze.
Top 16 Climbing Flowering Perennials
1. Clematis (Clematis spp.)
The Star of the Show
Clematis vines, or ‘The Queen of the Vines,’ boast a flower for every preference. From single, unadorned petals to ruffled, multi-petal varieties, Clematis stops you in your tracks.
- Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia
- Plant Size: 6-10 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- USDA Plant Zone: 4-9
- Growing Season: Spring to early fall
- Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
- Special Features: Stunning flowers, long blooming season, requires support
2. American Wisteria (Wisteria spp.)
The Party Starter
The cascading flowers of Wisteria are the life of any garden party. Their grape-like clusters and enchanting fragrances make them an all-time favorite among groups of friends or solo on a lattice.
- Geographic Origin: Eastern United States, East Asia
- Plant Size: 10-30 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- USDA Plant Zone: 4-9
- Growing Season: Spring to early summer
- Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
- Special Features: Beautiful flowers require sturdy support, fast-growing
3. Major Wheeler Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)
The Perfume Peddler
Sneaking a whiff of Honeysuckle’s sweet citrus fragrance as you pass by is a garden milestone. And the hummingbirds? Well, they’re just the most loyal patrons at this scent-national shop.
- Geographic Origin: Northern Hemisphere
- Plant Size: 6-15 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- USDA Plant Zone: 4-11
- Growing Season: Spring to fall
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
- Special Features: Fragrant flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, deer resistant
Scent Cadence: Plant in well-drained soil conditions to keep it sweet and fragrant.
4. Climbing Roses (Rosa spp.)
The Romantic
Does any garden scene scream romance more than a tangle of red roses? No, no, it doesn’t. Climbing roses add a sweet, classic touch with minimal effort.
- Geographic Origin: Worldwide
- Plant Size: 8-20 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 5-9
- Growing Season: Spring to fall
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
- Special Features: Fragrant flowers, attract pollinators, disease-resistant
Love Notes: Keep your Climbing Roses near a support structure for swoon-worthy results. And don’t forget to prune for optimal blooming! Now, that’s what I call a match made in Garden Heaven.
Love Language: Prune after they’ve finished blooming each year to maintain a romantic air and encourage new growth.
5. Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris)
The Lacy Companion
When looking for a climber who doesn’t just stop at flowers, Hydrangea’s lush, layered canopies and long-life blooms are a stunner.
- Geographic Origin: Japan, Korea
- Plant Size: 30-50 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Part sun to shade
- Plant Zone: 5-8
- Growing Season: Spring to fall
- Bloom Time: Early summer
- Special Features: Deciduous, fragrant creamy white flowers, attractive bark for winter interest
Growing Together: Climbing Hydrangeas are great companions for various plants, including evergreens and shade-loving perennials. Your best bet with planting these two together is to give plenty of space to spread out.
Patience Rewarded: It might take a few years, but that first year of glorious white lace-cap flowers is a moment worth waiting for.
6. Climbing Snapdragon (Antirrhinum multiflorum)
The Tough Customer
If you’re seeking something more exotic, the Climbing Snapdragon boasts long, tubular flowers that challenge the norm. That break from the usual can really make your garden special.
- Geographic Origin: Mediterranean
- Plant Size: 6-8 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 9-11
- Growing Season: Year-round
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
- Special Features: Evergreen, drought-tolerant, attracts pollinators
Growing Together: Plant Climbing Snapdragons are a good plant for a harmonious and low-maintenance garden to grow near other Mediterranean plants like lavender and rosemary.
Sunset Specialist: It adores the sun, so make sure it soaks up its rays at the end of your garden day.
7. Morning Glory (Ipomoea tricolor)
The Early Riser
True to its name, these vibrant swirls of color are a magnificent way to greet the morning light. Beware, they’re not fans of sleep-ins, but the brownie points they earn with their beauty are worth it. My pigs LOVE this stuff, and it’s so easy to pull off when it grows all over the grapes.
- Geographic Origin: Tropical America
- Plant Size: 6-10 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 3-10
- Growing Season: Summer
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall
- Special Features: Fast-growing, attracts pollinators, self-seeding
Early Bird Gets the Worm: These plants are morning lovers and thrive in full sun. Make sure to give them enough water during their growing season to keep them blooming all summer long.
Child’s Play: They self-seed like nobody’s business, making them an excellent choice for the laidback gardener.
8. Passionflower (Passiflora spp.)
The Philosophical
With intricate, swirling tendrils and an alienesque center, the Passionflower is a garden labyrinth of biblical proportions. Or maybe that’s my passion for these plants talking.
- Geographic Origin: Americas, Australia
- Plant Size: 10-30 feet long
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 5-9
- Growing Season: Year-round
- Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
- Special Features: Edible fruit, attracts pollinators, medicinal properties
Philosophical Foliage: The Passionflower has been used throughout history for its calming and soothing properties. It’s the perfect plant for deep contemplation or a mid-afternoon nap in the garden.
Deeper Than Flowers: Its fruits are edible and said to rival the taste of the industry’s darling, Passionfruit.
9. Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata)
The Optimistic One
The Black-Eyed Susan vine seems to have inherited its namesake’s unwillingness to fade into the background. With round, cheery petals and a dark eye that twinkles with promise, these flowers are the life of the party.
- Geographic Origin: Eastern Africa
- Plant Size: 6-8 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Plant Zone: 9-11
- Growing Season: Summer to early fall
- Bloom Time: Early summer to mid-fall
- Special Features: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, low maintenance, drought tolerant
Sunny Disposition: This resilient vine can thrive in both full sun and partial shade, making it the perfect choice for a happy-go-lucky plant that can adapt to any situation.
Flower Power: Its bright yellow and orange flowers symbolize hope in any garden, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to spread joy and pollinate other plants. And its drought tolerance means it can keep shining even during dry spells.
10. Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)
The Sensitive One
Don’t let the name fool you; this delicate flower is anything but weak. Its heart-shaped petals and striking color make it a standout in any garden.
- Geographic Origin: China, Japan, Korea
- Plant Size: 2-3 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
- Plant Zone: 3-9
- Growing Season: Spring to early summer
- Bloom Time: Mid-spring to early summer
- Special Features: Shade tolerant, attracts bees and butterflies, and is deer resistant.
Tender Loving Care: This plant requires extra attention and care, but the effort is worth it when its graceful blooms appear in spring. Just make sure to water regularly.
Mind Your Space: Give it room to climb, and it will reward you with a show of color that won’t soon be forgotten.
11. Trumpet Vine(Campsis radicans)
The Star Power
Are you looking for a plant that says, “I’ve arrived?” Then the Trumpet Vine is your ticket to the spotlight. Its brash, bold flowers and rapid growth do not whisper; they warmly welcome all who lay eyes on them.
Just a warning: This stuff spreads quickly and comes back with a vengeance. Of course, I planted my berry garden out by some I thought was gone. Every year, I’m cutting back and digging out this trumpet vine.
- Geographic Origin: Eastern and southeastern United States
- Plant Size: 30-40 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 4-9
- Growing Season: Summer
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
The Power of Patience: While they may grow quickly, Trumpet Vines require patience when blooming. They typically take 3-5 years to produce flowers.
I find myself talking back to this plant as I prune and dig. “Yes, yes I know you’re beautiful and you grow quickly, but do you have to take over everything?” But then again, that’s the charm of Trumpet Vines. They are not for the faint of heart or the meticulous gardener.
They are for those who embrace wildness and a little bit of chaos in their gardens. Plus, their stunning trumpet-shaped flowers make any effort worthwhile.
Controlled Chaos: Mind those roots; Trumpet Creeper can be too ambitious for its own good.
12. Cypress Vine (Ipomoea quamoclit)
The delicate, bright red flowers of the Cypress Vine give off a romantic and whimsical feel. Native plants to tropical regions, this vine is perfect for adding a touch of exotic flair to your garden. Its slender vines can reach up to 20 feet long, making it ideal for trellises or fences.
The Cypress Vine will stand out in any garden, loving full sun and well-drained soil. Just be careful not to let its glossy foilage vines take over.
- Geographic Origin: Tropical regions
- Plant Size: Up to 20 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: Not specified, but likely zones 9-11 due to its tropical origin.
- Growing Season: Spring to fall, depending on climate.
- Bloom Time: Summer to early fall.
Special Features: Delicate, bright red flowers and slender vines perfect for trellises or fences.
The Beauty of Imperfection: As with any plant, there are always challenges when growing Trumpet Vines. But sometimes, those imperfections make
A Touch of Exotic: Add flair to your garden with the Cypress Vine’s delicate and vibrant flowers. Its slender vines make it perfect.
13. Confederate Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
We all have that one friend who can be a bit clingy, but with Confederate Jasmine, you won’t mind the constant attention. This evergreen vine produces small, fragrant white creamy flowers that will cover your trellis or fence in a blanket of sweet scent.
- Geographic Origin: Southeastern United States
- Plant Size: Up to 20 feet tall and wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 7-10 (though it can survive in colder zones with proper care)
- Growing Season: Spring to fall
- Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
Special Features: Fragrant white flowers and glossy evergreen foliage perfect for creating a private, sweet-smelling oasis.
Low-Maintenance BFF: Confederate Jasmine is a reliable and easy-to-grow plant, making it the perfect companion in your garden. Plus, its sweet fragrance
A Sweet-Smelling Companion: Let Confederate Jasmine be your garden’s faithful friend, adding a beautiful fragrance and vibrant greenery to any space. Its low-maintenance nature makes it a great choice for busy gardeners.
14. Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)
If you want to make a statement in your garden, Chinese Wisteria is the vine for you. Its cascading blooms of purple, pink, or white will add a touch of elegance and drama to any landscape. Just be sure to provide plenty of sturdy support for this vigorous grower.
- Geographic Origin: China
- Plant Size: Up to 30 feet tall and wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 5-9
Growing Season: Spring to fall - Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Special Features: Colorful, show-stopping blooms that attract pollinators and add stunning beauty to any garden.
Drama Queen: With its cascading blooms and vigorous growth, Chinese Wisteria will surely steal the show in your garden.
A Bold Beauty:
With its stunning blooms and vigorous growth, Chinese Wisteria will turn heads in your garden. This vine may require some maintenance, but the reward of its eye-catching flowers will be well worth it.
15. Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
For those looking for a colorful and fragrant addition to their garden, look no further than Sweet Pea. This vine produces clusters of delicate, pastel-colored flowers that emit a sweet scent. It’s easy to grow, perfect for beginner gardeners or those with limited gardening space.
Sweet Peas thrive in cool weather and can be planted in early spring or fall. In warmer climates, they may also bloom during the winter months.
Keep them well-watered and support their climbing stems to ensure a bountiful display of flowers throughout their growing season. So don’t forget to add Sweet Pea to your garden wishlist.
- Geographic Origin: Mediterranean region, southern Italy to Sicily
- Plant Size: Up to 6 feet tall and wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 2-11 (depending on the variety)
- Growing Season: Early spring to fall, and may bloom in winter in warmer climates.
A Versatile Delight: Sweet Peas come in different colors and varieties, making them a versatile choice for any garden. With their sweet fragrance, they’re sure to bring joy and delight to your outdoor space.
16. Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata)
Boston Ivy is the perfect choice for those looking for a vine that can cover large areas and add a touch of rustic charm. Its deep green leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple in the fall, creating a stunning display. Plus, it’s easy to grow and low maintenance.
Boston Ivy is a deciduous plant, meaning it will lose its leaves in the winter and regrow them in the spring. So you can enjoy its beautiful fall colors before it goes dormant for the colder months.
Not only does Boston Ivy provide year-round coverage, but it also adds a pop of color during the changing seasons.
- Geographic Origin: Eastern Asia
- Plant Size: Up to 50 feet tall and wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 4-8
- Growing Season: Late spring to early fall, with peak foliage color.
Boston Ivy is also a great choice for those looking for a plant that thrives in many climates. It can tolerate hot and cold temperatures, making it a hardy option for any garden. No matter where you live, Boston Ivy can be an excellent addition to your outdoor space.
A Rustic Red: Boston Ivy’s fiery fall foliage adds a touch of rustic beauty to any garden or landscape. Its vigorous growth and ability to cover walls, fences, and buildings make it a popular choice for many gardeners.
Just be prepared for some maintenance, as this vine can grow quite tall and may need trimming occasionally. But trust me, it will all be worth it when you see those beautiful red leaves in the fall!
17. Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
For a vine that can add both beauty and function to your garden, look no further than Virginia Creeper. This hardy plant is great for covering walls and trellises and provides food and shelter for various bird species.
And with its stunning red foliage in the fall, it’s a win-win for you and the local wildlife.
- Geographic Origin: North America
- Plant Size: Up to 50 feet tall and wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 3-9
- Growing Season: Late spring to early fall, with peak foliage color.
Virginia Creeper is a great choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance option. It can tolerate various soils and grow in sun and shade, making it versatile for any garden. Keep an eye on its growth; it can become invasive in some areas.
And fun fact: Virginia Creeper is sometimes called “five-leaved ivy” because of its five leaflets per stem. So not
A Pop of Color: With its bright red leaves in the autumn, Virginia Creeper is sure to be a showstopper in any garden. It provides a stunning visual display and serves as a food source for birds during the winter months.
So not only are you adding some beautiful color to your space, but you’re also helping our feathered friends survive the colder seasons. It’s a win-win! This vine is easy to care for and can thrive in various growing conditions.
So why not add some pops of color to your garden with Virginia Creeper? Just be warned; it may grow quickly and require occasional pruning. But the gorgeous fall foliage and benefits for wildlife make it well worth the effort.
What are some rare flowering plants?
Some rare climbing perennials to consider adding to your garden are the Passionflower (Passiflora), Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla), and Bleeding Heart Vine (Clerodendrum thomsoniae). Each of these unique vines offers stunning blooms and interesting foliage that will add a touch of whimsy and charm to your garden.
But don’t be intimidated by their rarity; these plants are still surprisingly easy to care for and will bring a touch of exotic beauty to any space.
Fast Grower Perennials That Climb
The Passionflower and Dutchman’s Pipe are known to be fast-growing vines, which makes them perfect for those looking to add some height and visual interest to their garden quickly.
But don’t worry; these vines won’t take over your entire space. With proper care and pruning, they can be kept in check while still providing a stunning display of foliage and flowers.
There are plenty of climbing perennials that are fast growers. Some additional options to consider adding to your garden are the Climbing Hydrangea, Hops Vine, and Silver Lace Vine.
Each one offers unique beauty and growth habits, making them a good choice for adding height and dimension to your garden.
Just be sure to provide these vigorous vines with a sturdy support structure, as they can quickly grow large and heavy.
The list continues with more dazzling climbers like the Chocolate Vine, Evergreen Clematis, and the Trumpet Honeysuckle. The world is your oyster vine.
As with any garden story, care and attention bring out the best in these plants. You’re not just selecting a garden feature; you’re tapping into the character of your space, and these climbers are scene-stealers you’ll want in your plot.
Climbing perennials aren’t just a pretty face in the garden—they’re the backdrop to your garden’s narrative. They take what you have at ground level and elevate it, literally. Every garden needs a little height, a little color, and a little magic.