Top 10 Trellis-Friendly Plants to Elevate Your Garden's Appearance
In the quest for a lush and colourful garden, trellises become the perfect canvas for a variety of tropical vines that thrive in both full sun and partial shade. Here are some top choices known for their rapid growth, striking appearance, and adaptability to trellis structures.
Beginning our tour, we have the Bougainvillea, a woody climbing vine that boasts vibrant, papery bracts in reds, pinks, purples, and oranges. Growing up to 20-30 feet tall, this drought-tolerant vine is perfect for warm, sunny climates and requires low maintenance. Ideal for tropical and subtropical gardens, Bougainvillea adds a burst of colour to any space it graces.
Another standout is the Mandevilla, a twining vine with large, colorful blooms in white, pink, peach, or red. This vine thrives with the right support and adds a romantic tropical feel to your garden. Mandevilla is great for containers or garden beds and repeat blooms throughout the summer.
For those seeking rapid coverage, consider the Thunbergia laurifolia, also known as the Blue Sky Vine. This fast-growing climber features blue trumpet-shaped flowers and is excellent for fence or trellis coverage. Thriving in well-drained soil and both sun and shade, it's an evergreen in tropical climates.
Cobaea scandens, or the Cup and Saucer Vine, is an annual or tender perennial with large, bell-shaped purple or white flowers. Its self-twining tendrils make it perfect for climbing up trellises and fences. This vine grows quickly from seed and flowers until frost, making it a great choice for borders and containers.
Akebia quinata, the Chocolate Vine, is a semi-evergreen woody vine with small scented flowers in deep maroon or creamy white. Known for its vigorous growth, it can reach up to 30 feet. However, it requires management to prevent invasiveness in some areas. Suitable for seating areas or gateways, the Chocolate Vine adds a unique touch to your garden.
Cannas, with their bold, large foliage and bright tropical flowers, thrive in heat and humidity. Prefering moist soil, Cannas add lush tropical texture to your sunny patios and poolside.
The Arctic Kiwi thrives in well-drained soil and ample sun, while Moonflower vines thrive in containers and need something to climb on. Sweet Pea vines require well-drained soil and guidance upwards. Moonflower vines prefer at least six hours of direct sunlight.
The American Beauty Rose is a popular climbing plant, known for its pink blooms and lush green leaves, thriving in full sun. Clematis plants are eager climbers, requiring a sturdy trellis or vertical support for growth and producing a spectacular display of lush foliage and vivid blooms.
Star Jasmine dazzles with pure white, wonderfully fragrant blooms during the summer, while the chocolate vine prefers to avoid excessive watering. Interestingly, both the Bougainvillea and the chocolate vine are not toxic to butterflies and other pollinators.
Lastly, climbing Hydrangea vines grow heavy over time and require sturdy support structures. Pairing them with clematis for a beautiful bloom combination can create a stunning vertical display in your garden.
By choosing plants based on your specific sun exposure, desired flower colours, and growth habits, you can create a lush, vibrant vertical accent in your tropical or subtropical garden. Happy gardening!
Incorporating diverse plants into home-and-garden settings can enrich the lifestyle, as demonstrated by the variety of vines that transform a trellis into a home-and-garden feature. The Bougainvillea, with its vibrant and colorful foliage, is ideal for those seeking a rapid growth, low-maintenance vine to bring color to a tropical or subtropical garden.
