So, you’ve got a bare trellis, pergola, or fence staring back at you like an empty canvas, right? And every time you walk past it, you think, “Man, this spot could look so much better.”
Well, my friend, you’re not wrong. Nothing transforms a plain, boring structure into a living piece of art quite like a climbing plant.
These beauties don’t just sit there quietly; they climb, twist, and sprawl their way up, turning dead wood or dull fences into jaw-dropping features.
I’ve been obsessed with climbers ever since I accidentally planted a jasmine near a small trellis in my yard. One season later, the trellis wasn’t visible anymore—it had been swallowed by this fragrant, floral monster. Best decision ever. Worst? Trying to trim it without smelling like a perfume store for the rest of the day.
So today, let’s walk through 24 of the best climbing plants for trellises, pergolas, and fences. Some are fragrant, some are bold, and some are ridiculously low-maintenance (a.k.a. perfect for lazy gardeners like me).
Ready to green up those bare spots? Let’s go.
Clematis – The Showstopper
Clematis is basically the supermodel of climbing plants. Its blooms are big, bold, and impossible to ignore.
What makes clematis so amazing? It comes in endless varieties, from deep purple ‘Jackmanii’ to the soft pink ‘Nelly Moser’. Some flowers look like velvet, others like starbursts. If your garden ever needed a diva, this is it.
The trick with clematis is that it likes its roots in the shade but its head in the sun. Ever heard that line? It’s like the plant version of “I need a cool drink but also a tan.” I usually plant a few low-growing perennials at the base to keep its roots shaded while it climbs toward the sunshine.
Give clematis a sturdy trellis or pergola, and it’ll reward you with waves of flowers that make neighbors stop and stare. Honestly, who doesn’t love that kind of garden bragging rights?
Wisteria – The Drama Queen
If clematis is the supermodel, wisteria is the Hollywood starlet. This plant doesn’t just climb—it cascades. Those long, dreamy clusters of purple or white flowers look like something out of a romantic movie scene.
Here’s the catch: wisteria is not for the faint-hearted. This thing grows aggressively. If you give it a pergola, prepare for it to turn that structure into its personal palace. I once saw a pergola so completely engulfed in wisteria, you couldn’t even see the beams anymore.
The payoff, though? That jaw-dropping moment in spring when the flowers hang down like chandeliers made of blossoms. Plus, the fragrance—oh man, it smells like heaven. Just don’t plant it too close to your house unless you want your gutters to become its playground.
Jasmine – The Fragrance Factory
Ever walked into a garden and thought, “Wow, this smells better than my expensive candle collection”? Chances are, jasmine was responsible.
There are a few types of jasmine, but if you want a climbing variety, go for star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides). It’s evergreen, it climbs like a champ, and those tiny white flowers pack a fragrance punch that’ll knock your socks off.
I once made the mistake of planting jasmine right next to my patio seating. Now, summer evenings smell like paradise, but I also spend a lot of time answering, “What air freshener is that?” when guests come over. Spoiler: it’s not an air freshener—it’s nature showing off.
Stick jasmine on a trellis by your entrance or a fence near your patio, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Bougainvillea – The Color Explosion
You want bold? You want tropical vibes without hopping on a plane? Bougainvillea is your plant.
This one doesn’t do delicate little flowers. No, bougainvillea throws out masses of neon-colored bracts (those petal-like things) in hot pink, orange, purple, and red. It’s like the plant went to a rave and came back wearing every color.
Bougainvillea loves the sun and thrives in warm climates. If you give it a pergola, it’ll climb like crazy and cover it in shocking color. On fences, it’s equally unstoppable. Just a warning: those thorns are sneaky, so wear gloves unless you enjoy surprise scratches.
Every time I see bougainvillea, I feel like I’m on vacation in Greece or Mexico. It’s impossible not to smile at a fence blazing with pink bougainvillea against a blue sky.
Honeysuckle – The Pollinator Magnet
If you want a climbing plant that smells amazing and makes bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds show up for a party, honeysuckle is your buddy.
Honeysuckle flowers are tubular, often in shades of yellow, red, or white. They smell sweet, especially in the evenings, which is why so many gardeners love them for pergolas near patios. Imagine sipping your evening tea under a honeysuckle canopy with hummingbirds buzzing around—sounds dreamy, right?
Plus, honeysuckle isn’t fussy. It grows fast, it climbs like a pro, and it pretty much thrives on neglect. My kind of plant.
Just don’t let it run wild unless you’re ready to prune, because it has a tendency to get a little… enthusiastic. Think of it as that overly energetic friend who just needs a bit of guidance.
Passionflower – The Exotic Beauty
Passionflower looks like something aliens designed. Seriously. Its blooms have frilly filaments, funky colors, and a structure so unique you can stare at it for ages.
This climber isn’t just about looks, though. Some varieties produce passionfruit, which makes it both beautiful and tasty. A two-for-one deal—how often do you get that in gardening?
I once grew passionflower on a trellis near my back fence, and it became the most talked-about plant in my yard. Visitors would stop mid-conversation just to say, “Wait, what is THAT?” That’s the power of passionflower—it demands attention.
It climbs quickly, covers surfaces beautifully, and gives your garden that exotic vibe that says, “Yes, I have unusual taste, thanks for noticing.”
Ivy – The Evergreen Classic
Let’s be honest—ivy gets mixed reviews. Some people love its lush, evergreen look, while others fear it’ll take over their house like a villain in a horror movie.
But when grown on a fence or trellis with a little control, ivy is downright gorgeous. It covers surfaces with rich green leaves year-round, giving you that classic “English garden” vibe.
Ivy doesn’t offer flashy flowers or fragrances, but it’s a reliable backdrop for everything else in your yard. Plus, it’s low-maintenance and hardy. Want instant greenery without much fuss? Ivy’s your guy.
Just promise me you won’t let it climb your brick walls unless you’re okay with it becoming a permanent tenant.
Morning Glory – The Fast-Climber
Need a fence covered, like, yesterday? Morning glory to the rescue.
This plant grows insanely fast. Plant it near a trellis in spring, and by mid-summer, it’ll be covered in vibrant trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the morning (hence the name). They come in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white.
Morning glory is basically the garden version of instant gratification. It’s annual in most climates, so you’ll need to replant it each year—but honestly, that’s a small price to pay for such a fast and colorful cover-up.
I once planted morning glory on a boring wire fence, and in two months, that fence looked like a floral tapestry. Not bad for a plant that asks for so little.
Climbing Roses – The Romantic Choice
Want your garden to look like something out of a fairytale? Climbing roses are the answer.
These aren’t your regular bushy roses. Climbing roses grow long canes that can be trained onto trellises, fences, and pergolas. The result? Cascades of blooms that look like pure romance.
Roses can be a little high-maintenance, I won’t lie. They like good soil, sun, and a bit of care. But when you get them right, they reward you with classic beauty and fragrance that no other plant can match.
Every time I see a pergola covered in climbing roses, I half expect a prince or princess to stroll by. It’s that magical.
Trumpet Vine – The Show-Off
If you want bold, you can’t ignore trumpet vine. Its flowers look like, well, trumpets—big, bright orange-red trumpets that scream, “Look at me!”
Hummingbirds absolutely lose their minds over this plant. If you’ve ever wanted your yard to feel like a hummingbird café, trumpet vine will make it happen.
But here’s the deal: this plant is a little like that loud neighbor who insists on hosting karaoke every Saturday. It’s energetic, fast-growing, and sometimes a little too much. You’ll want to prune it regularly unless you’re aiming for a jungle vibe.
Still, if you have a large pergola or a fence that needs serious coverage, trumpet vine delivers drama like no other.
Sweet Pea – The Delicate Charmer
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have sweet pea. This climber is all about charm and fragrance, not brute force.
Sweet pea produces clusters of delicate flowers in pastel shades—think soft pinks, purples, and whites. And the scent? Heavenly. If jasmine is bold perfume, sweet pea is that subtle fragrance you wish came in a bottle.
It’s an annual in most places, so you’ll need to replant it every year. But honestly, it’s worth the effort. I grew sweet peas along a low trellis once, and they were hands-down the most complimented flowers in my garden that season.
The only problem? They make you wish they lasted forever. But maybe that’s part of their charm—short, sweet, and unforgettable.
Nasturtium – The Edible Climber
Here’s a fun twist: nasturtium isn’t just pretty—it’s also edible.
This climber produces round leaves that look like mini water lily pads and bright flowers in shades of orange, yellow, and red. The flowers and leaves are edible, with a peppery flavor that spices up salads. How many plants can double as both décor and dinner?
Nasturtium isn’t the most aggressive climber, so it works great for smaller trellises or fences. And because it’s so easy to grow, it’s perfect for beginners.
I once tossed a packet of nasturtium seeds at the base of a trellis and basically forgot about them. A few weeks later, I had a cheerful, edible climbing display that made me look like I’d planned it all along. (Spoiler: I hadn’t.)
Grapevine – The Practical Beauty
Want something that looks good and gives you snacks? Say hello to grapevines.
These climbers are fantastic for pergolas. They grow lush, leafy canopies that provide natural shade, and then—bonus—you get grapes. Whether you eat them fresh, turn them into juice, or go full vineyard mode and make wine, grapevines are a win.
The sight of grape clusters hanging down from a pergola is nothing short of magical. And the shade they provide in summer? Priceless.
The only catch: grapevines need pruning and training to stay manageable. If you ignore them, they’ll happily go wild. But hey, at least they give back in fruit for your troubles.
Black-Eyed Susan Vine – The Cheerful Climber
Don’t confuse this with the black-eyed Susan flower—it’s a totally different plant. The black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia alata) is a tropical charmer that produces small, bright orange or yellow flowers with a dark center.
It climbs fences and trellises quickly, covering them with cheerful blooms that look like little suns. It’s an annual in colder regions but a perennial in warmer ones.
I planted this once along a chain-link fence, and it completely transformed that ugly metal grid into a wall of sunshine. Not bad for such a low-maintenance little climber.
It’s the kind of plant that makes you smile every time you walk past. And honestly, who couldn’t use more of that?
Climbing Hydrangea – The Shady Wonder
Most climbers want sun, sun, and more sun. But what if your fence or pergola sits in partial shade? Enter climbing hydrangea.
This plant thrives where many others sulk. It produces clusters of white, lace-cap-style flowers and big, heart-shaped leaves that look lush and elegant.
Climbing hydrangea is slow to start—think of it as the plant equivalent of a teenager who refuses to get out of bed. But once it establishes, it becomes a powerhouse. It can climb high, cover large areas, and look absolutely stunning doing it.
If you’ve got a shady wall or fence that feels impossible to dress up, this is your golden ticket.
Kiwi Vine – The Quirky Climber
Kiwi vine, also known as Actinidia kolomikta, is a bit of a show-off—but in a unique way. Its leaves are green with splashes of white and pink, making it look like it got into an art class and didn’t want to leave.
Oh, and some varieties produce kiwis. Yes, actual kiwis. So you get quirky foliage and fruit. Talk about multitasking.
I love kiwi vine because it’s not your typical climber. When people see those pink-tipped leaves, they immediately ask what it is. It’s a conversation starter, and it adds something different to your garden palette.
Just keep in mind: if you want fruit, you’ll need male and female plants. Otherwise, enjoy it as a foliage superstar.
Silver Lace Vine – The Fast Fix
Got a boring fence you want covered in record time? Silver lace vine is basically your speedy solution.
This climber grows like it’s on a mission. It produces sprays of tiny white flowers that look delicate up close but create a dramatic effect when they cover an entire structure.
I once saw silver lace vine take over a large pergola in a single season, turning it into a frothy, flower-filled canopy. Sure, you’ll need to rein it in a bit, but for instant impact, it’s hard to beat.
Think of it as the fast-food version of climbers—quick, satisfying, and sometimes a little too easy.
Akebia (Chocolate Vine) – The Sweet Surprise
Yes, you read that right—chocolate vine. Sadly, it doesn’t smell like a candy bar, but it does have a subtle chocolatey fragrance that makes you lean in for another sniff.
Its flowers are deep purple and oddly exotic, and the foliage is lush and green. Oh, and did I mention it produces sausage-shaped fruit in some climates? Yep, this plant doesn’t play by the rules.
Akebia climbs quickly and looks stunning on trellises or fences. It’s perfect if you want something a little different, a little mysterious, and maybe a little weird. In a good way.
I planted it once just for the name alone. “Chocolate vine” sounds like something Willy Wonka would have in his backyard, right?
Moonflower – The Night Bloomer
Most flowers strut their stuff in the daylight, but moonflower saves its magic for the night.
These climbers open huge, white, trumpet-shaped flowers that glow in the dark. And the fragrance? Let’s just say it’s strong enough to make you linger outside longer than you planned.
I love moonflower on a pergola where you sit in the evenings. Imagine sipping a cool drink while those glowing flowers open around you. Romantic? Absolutely.
It’s annual in cooler regions, but worth planting every year just for that nighttime garden magic.
Canary Creeper – The Playful Climber
If plants had personalities, canary creeper would be the playful, cheeky friend who’s always up for a laugh.
This vine has delicate, fern-like leaves and quirky yellow flowers that look like little canaries fluttering around. It’s fast-growing, light-hearted, and perfect for brightening up fences or trellises.
The best part? It doesn’t take itself too seriously. While some climbers scream “luxury,” canary creeper is just here to make your garden more fun.
I grew it once on a small bamboo trellis, and every time I looked at it, I smiled. Isn’t that the whole point of gardening?
Coral Vine – The Romantic Rambler
Want something that screams romance without being cliché? Try coral vine.
Also known as “queen’s wreath,” this climber produces cascades of pink flowers that look soft, airy, and dreamy. Bees adore it, and honestly, so will you.
It thrives in warm climates and grows fast, which makes it ideal for covering fences or pergolas quickly. In full bloom, it looks like your garden got sprinkled with pink confetti.
If you want a plant that feels like a love story unfolding across your trellis, coral vine is it.
Hyacinth Bean – The Bold Statement
Few plants pull off green leaves, purple flowers, and shiny purple pods all at once, but hyacinth bean does it effortlessly.
It’s the plant version of someone showing up to a party in a statement outfit and totally owning it. The pods themselves look ornamental, so even after flowering, you get visual interest.
Hyacinth bean grows fast, loves sun, and climbs like it’s in a hurry. I once used it to cover an arch, and by mid-summer, it looked like a jewel-toned tunnel. Not subtle, but absolutely stunning.
It’s annual in cooler climates, but who cares—it’s worth planting again and again.
Mandevilla – The Tropical Star
If you want your garden to feel like a luxury resort, plant Mandevilla.
This climber produces big, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. It loves warmth, sun, and a bit of pampering. Think of it as the diva of the climbing world—it rewards you with tropical vibes if you meet its needs.
I love Mandevilla on pergolas near patios. The bold blooms make every evening feel like you’re sipping cocktails by the pool, even if you’re just drinking lemonade in your backyard.
Fair warning: it’s not frost-hardy, so in colder regions you’ll need to treat it as an annual or bring it indoors for winter.
Evergreen Clematis – The Year-Round Beauty
We started this list with clematis, so let’s end with its evergreen cousin. Evergreen clematis (Clematis armandii) gives you glossy green leaves year-round and fragrant white flowers in early spring.
It’s less flashy than some other clematis varieties, but that’s its charm—it’s dependable, reliable, and still elegant.
If you want a plant that won’t leave your fence looking naked in winter, evergreen clematis is your friend. Plus, that burst of spring fragrance is the perfect reward for making it through the colder months.
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it—24 of the best climbing plants for trellises, pergolas, and fences.
From the showstoppers like wisteria and bougainvillea to the subtle charmers like sweet peas and moonflowers, there’s a climber for every garden style and personality. Some will wow you with fragrance, others with color, and a few might even give you dinner on the side (looking at you, grapes and nasturtiums).
What I love most about climbing plants is how they transform blank, boring spaces into living works of art. A fence is just a fence… until morning glories turn it into a wall of flowers. A pergola is just wood beams… until grapevines turn it into a shady, grape-filled paradise.
So, which one’s calling your name? Are you leaning toward the romantic roses, the dramatic wisteria, or maybe the quirky kiwi vine?
Whatever you choose, one thing’s for sure: once you start growing climbers, you’ll never look at a bare wall, trellis, or pergola the same way again.
And hey—if your neighbors start peeking over the fence, don’t be surprised. That’s the power of a good climber.
