Climbing plants can enhance the beauty of any landscape by trailing up arbors, trellises, fences, and other structures, creating a romantic and whimsical garden aesthetic. However, some climbing plants are fast growers that may overtake your outdoor space if not properly managed, especially in smaller areas. Fortunately, many climbing plants can be grown in pots and containers, allowing you to enjoy their beauty without worrying about them becoming unruly. In this article, we will introduce you to expert-recommended climbing plants that thrive in pots and containers.
Expert Recommendations:
Adrienne Roethling, head gardener for a private estate, and former curator of Juniper Level Botanic Gardens at Plant Delights Nursery, and Kelly Funk, president and CEO of Jackson & Perkins, a nursery specializing in roses, perennial flowers, shrubs, and trees, share their insights on the best climbing plants for container gardening.
Chocolate Vine:
Chocolate vine (Akebia quinata) is a vigorous climber that can be managed effectively in container plantings. Known for its sweetly fragrant blooms resembling warm chocolate, this vine wraps around structures, producing foliage in spring followed by clusters of burgundy or white flowers.
Zones: 5 to 8
Size: 20 to 40 feet tall x 6 to 9 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-draining soil
Sweet Peas:
Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is an annual vine that thrives in mild spring and fall conditions. This climbing plant, with vining stems and clusters of ruffled flowers in various colors, prefers cooler temperatures and rich, well-draining soil.
Zones: 2 to 10
Size: 4 to 6 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; rich, well-draining soil
Honeysuckle:
Honeysuckle (Lonicera) is a fragrant and charming plant that is ideal for container gardening. ‘Major Wheeler’ is a compact variety that produces red-orange tubular flowers attractive to pollinators, blooming heavily in late spring and sporadically throughout the summer.
Zone: 5-9
Size: 20 to 30 feet tall x 6 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; moist, well-draining soil
Black-Eyed Susan Vine:
Black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia alata) is a cheerful and whimsical climbing plant that thrives in hot, humid summers. This vine produces open-faced flowers in pink, white, yellow, and shades of orange, ideal for seasonal containers with proper moisture and fertilizer.
Zones: 2 to 10
Size: 3 to 8 feet tall x 3 to 6 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; rich, well-draining soil
Clematis:
Clematis (Clem
Vining plants are a popular choice among gardeners, offering a wide variety of options from showy star-shaped blooms to bell-shaped flowers. According to gardening expert Roethling, Clematis is a great choice for containers when grown with a support structure. These vines can grow to extensive heights, with some varieties reaching up to 2 feet, and can be pruned after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance. Clematis thrives in zones 3 to 9, requiring full sun to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil.
Another tropical vine suitable for container plantings is the Rocktrumpet (Mandevilla spp.). Plant it in a large container with well-amended soil after the last frost in spring, and provide full sun, water, and fertilizer for blooms all summer. Regular pruning will help maintain a neat appearance. Rocktrumpet prefers zones 10 to 11 and rich, well-draining soil.
American Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) is a fast-growing climbing plant native to North America. Growing it in containers allows you to enjoy its beautiful purple blooms without it taking over your landscape. Prune unwanted stems or cut the plant after flowering to control its size. American Wisteria thrives in zones 5 to 9, requiring full sun and rich, well-draining soil.
For a beautiful addition to any garden, consider growing Climbing Roses (Rosa setigera) in containers. The ‘Peppermint Party’ variety features stunning pink-and-white striped blooms and has a neat climbing habit that fits well in pots with vertical supports. This rose variety blooms continually and emits a sweet scent, making it ideal for small garden spaces or patios. Climbing Roses thrive in zones 5 to 9 with full sun and moist, well-draining soil.
Hedera, also known as ivy, is a plant that can easily take over the garden but can be controlled when grown in containers. The ‘Tropical Blizzard’ variety is slow-growing and provides year-round interest with its variegated foliage in mint green and creamy white, creating a marbled, frosted effect. Its broad leaves and unique coloring add a bold, tropical look to container arrangements. Hedera does well in zones 8 to 11, preferring partial sun to full shade and moist, well-draining soil.
