10 Perfect Pergola Climbing Plants
You really can’t go wrong with a Pergola feature. Perfect for either your deck or patio, these structures are lovely focal points! Pergolas have been used for centuries to provide shade and privacy for the outdoor space. Traditionally, pergola climbing plants have been used to provide a pergola’s shade and privacy and we have gathered some terrific winners!
Before you select your climbing plant it’s important to know your hardiness zone. A hardiness zone is based off your geographical location and provides the standard by which growers and gardeners follow to determine which plants will prosper. There are 13 different zones and Maryland is in zone 7 (depending on where you live it will be either 7a or 7b).
Pergola Climbing Plants Roses
Roses are a romantic time-tested favorite by gardeners and homeowners alike. There are many climbing varieties to choose from but you will need to check your planting zone first to see which roses will work for your climate. Most roses will need to be trained but once they are climbing your pergola, they will need very little pruning or maintenance.
Clematis
These gorgeous, hardy vines have graced pergolas for years. There are different colors, shapes and sizes to choose from and most love full sun. Depending on the variety you may need to do a little pruning. Clematis is found in hardiness zones from 4 through 9.
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is a fragrant vine with close to 200 varieties available in the United States which grow in hardiness zones 4 through 9. Caring for Honeysuckle is easy with only minor pruning. These beautiful vines thrive in sunlight and have a sweet, tasty nectar too.
Pergola Climbing Plants Grape Vines
When you use grape vines for decorative purposes select one that produces no grapes. Grape vines thrive in 6-7 hardiness zones and provide an excellent canopy. Since you are not producing grapes you will only need 2-3 hours of sunlight.
Wisteria
Wisteria is one of the best pergola covering plants. The long purple racemes (flower clusters) elegantly hang along the top of the pergola. These vines can grow up to 30 feet long and work well in hardiness zones 3 through 9. They are fast growing, sun loving, vines and can easy be trained to provide shade and shelter.
Trumpet Vine
The flowers on this vine look just like a trumpet, the blooms are usually orange, but you can find red and yellow varieties too. You will find these vines in hardiness zones 4-9 through the United States and they can be used in full or partial sun. A neat fact about this vine is that hummingbirds love them!
Bignonia (cross vine)
Dazzling red, yellow or orange blooms cover this fast-growing vine. These Hummingbird favorites provide weeks of blooms and are found in hardiness zones 6-9. Bignonia’s work well in partial to full sunlight and require pruning after flowering.
Morning Glory
These beauties thrive in hardiness zones 3 through 10 and love sunlight. Every morning they bloom with either blue, pink purple, white or red flowers and you will often find butterflies and birds enjoying theses blooms. They provide fabulous privacy and shade cover too.
Climbing Hydrangea Vine
Climbing Hydrangea’s are slow growing vines that flower in both full sun to partial sun. They can grow up to 50 feet tall and their hardiness zones are 5 through 9. They have delicate white, fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring and summer.
Purple Passionflower
This flowing, flowering vine sports large, light purple and white blooms that attract butterflies. Growing up to 40 feet long this vine is found in hardiness zones ranging from 6 to 10. These flowers love full sunlight and smell lovely. These fragrant, eye-catching beauties are sure to turn heads!
There are plenty more Pergola Climbing Plants and vines to select from to meet your privacy and shade needs. When you are ready for your new pergola, or other custom outdoor project, call Cedarbrook today for a free consultation with our team at 301-703-8728.