The best plants for a pergola: 5 thriving climbers chosen by professional gardeners

This article provides guidance on selecting appropriate flowering vines for pergolas, focusing on options suitable for the local climate while cautioning against invasive species. Carol Stocker, the 'Ask the Gardener' columnist, emphasizes the importance of choosing native vines due to their adaptability and reduced ecological risk compared to non-native varieties. The piece begins with general gardening advice for the autumn season, suggesting the removal of seeding or invasive weeds and recommending the planting of fruiting or flowering shrubs like winterberry or viburnums by mid-October. The core of the article addresses a reader's question from Milton regarding suitable flowering vines for a pergola. Stocker advises against several popular but aggressive options. She specifically warns against orange-flowered trumpet vine (Campsis) and ivy (Hedera), which can quickly become invasive. Chinese and Japanese wisterias are also highlighted as problematic due to their aggressive growth habit, with their "python-like twists" potentially damaging wooden structures. Instead, she recommends the native American wisteria frutescens variety 'Amethyst Falls,' noting its manageable vigor compared to its Asian counterparts. Stocker clarifies that "vigor" in plants often translates to more foliage and stems rather than abundant flowers. Native honeysuckles are suggested as an alternative, with a strong recommendation for Lonicera sempervirens. This native American honeysuckle features red, orange, or yellow tubular flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds, distinguishing it from invasive Asian honeysuckle varieties. While native Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is mentioned, Stocker suggests it is better suited for wilder settings rather than structured pergolas. She also advises against Dutchman's pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla) due to its tendency to require extensive weeding. The discussion then turns to more traditional flowering vines: roses and clematis. Stocker points out that so-called climbing roses do not truly climb independently and require support to be tied to a pergola, often not draping gracefully. For clematis, she notes that large-flowered varieties can be frustrating due to shy blooming habits and recommends small-flowered types such as Clematis viticella, montana, and texensis. These varieties are praised for their longer blooming periods and resilience against sudden wilting. A specific successful experience is shared with 'Betty Corning,' while a warning is issued against sweet autumn clematis, which can become a nuisance. Finally, the article includes a brief reader comment about a surge in rabbit populations, leading to significant damage to garden plants like hostas. Stocker acknowledges this as a common complaint for the current year, attributing it to natural population spikes, similar to chipmunk issues in previous years. The article concludes by inviting readers to submit further gardening questions and comments, along with subscription information for the newsletter and social media channels. #Gardening #FloweringVines #PergolaPlants #NativePlants #InvasiveSpecies #Horticulture #GardenAdvice

The article provides a comprehensive guide to selecting and caring for climbing plants suitable for trellises and pergolas, emphasizing their role in creating shade and enhancing garden aesthetics. It highlights the growing popularity of pergolas and trellises in backyards, not just for structural support but also for introducing natural shade, presenting a more beautiful alternative to man-made options. The selection of the right climbing plant can be challenging due to the variety of options, including flowering plants, foliage, and even fruits and vegetables. The article features 14 specific climbing plants, detailing their characteristics, USDA Hardiness Zones, soil preferences, light requirements, and typical sizes. Clematis, for instance, is a perennial that grows 20-30 feet, often purple, pink, or white, and thrives in full sun but tolerates part-shade, requiring thin wires for climbing. Climbing Hydrangea is recommended for shady areas, growing 30-50 feet with white blooms in summer and golden-yellow leaves in fall. Trumpet Vine is a fast-growing vine reaching up to 40 feet with red-orange blooms, needing regular pruning. Moonflower, ideal for nighttime entertaining, produces large, fragrant white blooms that open at night, thriving in full sun. Bougainvillea is noted for its papery bracts and tolerance to heat and dry spells, growing up to 40 feet. Star Jasmine is a fragrant vine suitable for both full sun and partial shade, reaching up to six feet. Climbing Roses, a traditional choice, offer a wide array of colors and can grow up to 20 feet, requiring training and bending of canes. Mandevilla, a tropical plant, displays trumpet-shaped flowers in red, pink, and white. Honeysuckle, with its fragrant blooms, attracts bees and can grow up to 20 feet, preferring partial shade. Sweet Pea, though toxic, provides bright, fragrant blooms in summer and fall, growing up to eight feet in full sun. Morning Glory is an annual vine that grows up to 10 feet with colorful blooms, attracting butterflies and bees but toxic to pets. Black-Eyed Susan, a fast grower, can reach eight feet, while Virginia Creeper offers a leafy look with a stunning red hue in fall. Wisteria is cherished for its lilac-colored, sweet-scented blooms, draping beautifully over structures and growing 15-20 feet. Nasturtium is easy to grow from seed, requires little care, and can range from 1 to 10 feet. Beyond individual plant descriptions, the article offers crucial tips for choosing climbing plants. It advises considering the pergola or trellis's use, as certain plants like bougainvillea and climbing roses have thorns that may be problematic near walkways, and highly fragrant flowers might attract unwanted pollinators. The shedding habits of plants are also mentioned, indicating a need for potential clean-up. Understanding a plant's growth habits is critical, as some vines can overpower small structures, while others may not provide sufficient shade. Different climbing mechanisms, such as twining stems, tendrils, or adhesive pads, are explained, with a warning about plants like true ivy and Virginia creeper that can damage surfaces. The importance of light and water requirements for specific spaces is also highlighted. The article also warns about invasive plants like Chinese Wisteria and English Ivy, and provides a list of plants to reconsider due to their aggressive growth. Finally, it addresses safety concerns regarding plants toxic to pets and children, such as wisteria and Carolina jessamine, and suggests combining plants like climbing roses and clematis for enhanced visual appeal and structural support. #ClimbingPlants #Pergola #Trellis #Gardening #ShadePlants #FloweringVines #PlantCare #OutdoorGardening #LandscapeDesign

This article provides extensive guidance on selecting and arranging plants that thrive in shaded conditions for container gardens. It highlights a variety of plants suitable for different shade levels and offers specific design ideas for creating attractive and functional displays. The introduction emphasizes that while some containers benefit from full sun, many plants flourish in shaded environments, providing color and movement to planters. Key shade-loving flowers and foliage mentioned include impatiens, coleus, sweet potato vines, violas, petunias, pansies, hostas, astilbes, and trilliums. The article also encourages considering vertical space for hanging baskets. Several specific plant combinations and container ideas are detailed. For instance, 'Red Giant' mustard and purple pansies are suggested for brightening a covered entryway. A sophisticated foliage combination features elephant's ear, rex begonia, nephthytis, and blue star fern, noted for their textural leaves in simple white containers. Vertical gardens are explored using metal planters filled with shrimp plant, 'Aquamarine' pilea, variegated Pteris fern, selaginella, sword fern, arrowhead vine, asparagus fern, 'Triostar' stromanthe, and 'Neon' pothos, ideal for brightening patio walls and tolerating late-summer heat with regular watering. Caladiums, impatiens, and creeping fig are recommended with a cast-iron plant for illuminating shady porch corners, allowing the neutral planter to highlight the plant combination. Other suggestions include a vibrant container with coleus, verbena, fan flower, Joseph's coat, calibrachoa, and petunias, all sharing similar shade and water requirements. Bold violas, particularly 'Penny Red with Blotch,' are presented as compact and cheerful options for adding color to shadowed areas. An elevated planter featuring 'Celebration' and 'Florida Sweetheart' caladiums and white wishbone flower with creeping Jenny is noted for its ease of maintenance. Verdant coleus, maroon Joseph's coat, and yellow creeping Jenny are proposed for partial sun and shade. Lenten roses (hellebores) are excellent for shady containers, complemented by yellow Acorus, lime green euphorbias, purple violas, and variegated ivy. The article also covers golden pansies and violas, along with 'Ogon' golden sweet flags, for cohesive fall container styles. Late-summer coleus ('Rustic Orange'), Compact 'Hot Coral' SunPatiens, and 'Yellow Moon' wishbone flower are suggested for versatile containers thriving in a mix of sun and partial shade. For window boxes, 'Aaron' white caladium, 'Key Lime Pie' heuchera, 'White Nancy' spotted dead nettle, holly fern, ivy, and light pink periwinkle create a classic look. 'Sorbet Plum Velvet' and 'Sorbet Icy Blue' violas are combined for a velvety infusion of color in shady areas, while hens and chicks succulents offer a low-maintenance option for partial shade. Further recommendations include coleus, wire vine, euphorbia, lysimachia, and petunias for diverse leaf shapes and colors, thriving in morning sun but needing protection from afternoon sun. Dwarf Alberta spruces, pansies, violas, kales, and English ivy are presented for autumn window boxes. 'Pandora's Box' violas and variegated English ivy are combined with a central evergreen for stylish planters. 'Supertunia Vista Bubblegum' petunias, autumn-hued coleus, 'Diamond Frost' euphorbias, geraniums, and angelonias create a rambling and colorful display. Shade-loving bromeliads, yellow creeping Jenny, crotons, and pitcher plants provide a tropical feel. Pink geraniums, angelonias, and petunias with sweet potato vine and pennisetum offer a pink paradise on front porches, with a note that petunias may not thrive in full shade. A cacophony of caladiums in various shades like 'Pink Symphony,' 'Iceberg,' 'Miss Muffet,' and 'Candyland' are ideal for vibrant, shade-thriving groupings. 'Strawberry Sundae' twinspurs and 'Penny Lavender Shades' violas create a graceful, watercolor-inspired design. Pots of 'June Bride,' 'Pink Gem,' and 'Aaron' caladiums add color to steps. Multilevel impatiens, ferns, ivy, and caladiums are suggested for structured arrangements, with impatiens flowering from late spring to fall in full or dappled shade. Two-tiered violas ('Sorbet Plum Velvet' and 'Sorbet Icy Blue') are presented for porch or kitchen tabletops. Terrariums with ferns, fittonia, pothos, and philodendron species are suitable for low sunlight. Hanging planters feature yellow and orange violas and pansies for a warm color palette. Violas and parsley in galvanized tubs create a two-tiered effect for partial shade. Hanging begonias, impatiens, spider plants, ferns, and ivy thrive in shady climates. Ornamental cabbage, Mexican bush sage, purple asters, 'Purple Prince' alternanthera, and lamb's ears provide late-summer to fall drama. Groupings of blue hydrangeas, elephant ears, and trailing pothos make a grand statement in partial shade. Finally, palms and bromeliads with gold-variegated acuba and trailing ivy add flair to covered spaces, while sago palms and boxwoods offer stately, low-maintenance options for front doors and pathways respectively. #ShadePlants #ContainerGardening #GardenDesign #OutdoorPlants #FoliagePlants #FloweringPlants #PlantCombinations #HomeGarden #PatioDecor