Climbing plants make the most of small gardens by growing up. But what if you don’t have much room to begin with? Is it possible to grow climbers in pots? If so, what are the best pots to use? And how should you take care of them? These are some of the questions we get asked most often, so we asked Mollie, our climbing plant grower.
The Ultimate Guide to Climbing Plants That Thrive in Pots
Adding a vertical element to gardens and outdoor spaces is an excellent way to maximize space, add privacy, and create visual interest. While many climbing plants are best suited to planting directly in the ground, there are many varieties that do remarkably well in pots. With the right care and conditions, potted climbing plants can grow vigorously to cover bare walls, fences, arbors, and more.
Here is an overview of some of the top climbing plant varieties that can thrive when grown in containers:
Clematis
Clematis is a popular climbing vine that produces colorful flowers in shades of white, red, purple and pink. With proper pruning and care, many clematis varieties can flourish in pots. Provide the vine with a trellis or other support structure to climb. Prune clematis after flowering to promote continual blooming. Site the pot in full sun to part shade. Water regularly and fertilize in early spring. Some good clematis cultivars for containers include ‘Pink Champagne,’ ‘Multi-Blue,’ and ‘Stand By Me.’
Honeysuckle
Fragrant, flowering honeysuckle vines add wonderful sensory appeal to gardens Bush-type honeysuckle varieties like ‘Goldflame’ and ‘Scentsation’ are compact, reaching just 4 to 6 feet high, and are excellent choices for pots. Train the flexible stems onto a trellis Honeysuckle thrives in full sun to light shade and average soil. Prune lightly after flowering. With proper winter care, honeysuckle can survive for many years in a container.
Passion Flower
Passion flower is a heat-loving climber that produces unique, ornate blooms in summer. Provide a sturdy trellis for support. Grow passion flower in a large pot that is at least 18-24 inches wide in rich, well-draining soil. Site the pot in full sun. Passion flower can be overwintered indoors in colder climates. The ‘Incense’ cultivar has fragrant blooms and attractive variegated foliage.
Climbing Roses
Certain climbing rose varieties are well-suited to growing in containers. Opt for compact, repeat-blooming varieties like ‘Eden’ and ‘New Dawn.’ Site the pot in full sun. Use a high quality potting mix and fertilize regularly for optimal flowering. Water deeply when the top few inches of soil become dry. Protect potted climbing roses over winter in cold climates. Prune in late winter to shape and promote flowering.
Ivy
English ivy and other ivy species are classic climbing vines that require little care when grown in pots. Ivy grows well in partial shade to full shade. Use a moss stake or trellis to provide support. Allow the ivy vines to trail over the edges of pots and containers to create an attractive effect. Overwinter potted ivy plants indoors in colder climates. Prune back overgrown stems in spring to keep growth under control.
Virginia Creeper
Virginia creeper is a fast growing deciduous vine that produces attractive fall color. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and a variety of soil conditions. Provide a trellis for support. Water regularly during the first year to establish an extensive root system. Prune occasionally to manage growth. After a few years, this vigorous grower will quickly cover whatever it is climbing. Site the pot in full sun for best fall color.
Trumpet Vine
Trumpet vine is an extremely fast growing woody vine that can easily take over gardens if left unchecked. Growing trumpet vine in a large pot helps keep its spread under control. It produces showy, trumpet-shaped orange-red flowers in summer. Provide a very sturdy support structure for this aggressive climber. Trumpet vine thrives in full sun and moderately fertile soil. It dies back each winter then regenerates in spring.
Climbing Hydrangea
This woody climber produces clusters of pretty white lacecap-style hydrangea flowers in summer. It clings and climbs by aerial rootlets. Growing climbing hydrangea in a pot helps restrict its spread. Site in partial shade and provide a support structure. Water regularly and feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring. Prune after flowering. In cold winter regions, move potted plants to a protected area.
With the right growing conditions and care, these climbing plant varieties can be grown successfully in pots and containers. Pay close attention to sun exposure, watering, and feeding requirements. Provide sturdy supports for vigorous growth. With a beautiful blooming or flowering climber brightening up your patio, deck, or garden, you’ll enjoy lovely vertical interest all season long.
Best evergreen climbers for pots
Putting evergreen climbers in pots is easy. Just put them in groups of different pot sizes and heights on the patio or on a trellis by the front door for color all year.
Armandii Clematis types, like Appleblossom, stay green all year. We think it looks great with Honeysuckle Halliana or Sollya (Bluebell Creeper). The smaller Ceanothus has beautiful blue flowers in the summer and glossy leaves all year. For the best coverage, plant it next to a wall or fence.
The best climbers for sun
Climbers in pots are ideal for sun traps like your patio, doorstep or pergola. If you plant in sun, you can grow all manner of flowering climbers including Clematis, Passiflora and Roses. Be sure to choose a more compact variety suitable for pots, such as Courtyard roses.
35 Best Vines for Containers | Climbing Plants for Pots
FAQ
Can you grow climbing vines in pots?
What can I plant in pots for height?
Can climbing ivy be grown in pots?
Which climbing plants are best for a container garden?
One of the biggest container garden mistakes you can make is choosing the wrong plants, and the last thing you want to do is choose a climbing plant that isn’t suited to life in a pot. After all, there are so many plants you shouldn’t put in pots. Thankfully, these 8 climbing plants will be the perfect addition to your container garden. 1. Clematis
Are climbing vines suitable for container gardens?
Climbing vines are suitable for container gardens. All you need is a big pot and something for it to climb up. The 10 vines here, from moonflower to common grape vine, are all suitable for container gardens.
Are container gardens good for climbing plants?
At Ideal Home, we’re huge advocates for growing in containers and pots, and it’s fair to say that we also have a serious soft spot for climbing plants. Yes, container gardens are ideal for those who don’t have the space for in-ground planting.
What is a good plant for a container garden?
It is a perennial vine hardy in frost free regions that requires a sunny place and a trellis to climb on. Black-eyed Susan is ideal if you want colorful flowers and privacy in your container garden. 17. Dutchman’s Pipe Botanical Name: Aristolochia durior If you are looking for an unusual plant for your container garden, plant the Dutchman’s pipe.
What are the best flowering vines & climbers?
The Best Flowering Vines and Climbers to Grow in Garden & Containers can add vertical interest, frame doorways, or even create privacy screens. And the best part? They’re really easy to take care of. 1. Wisteria 2. Trumpet Vine 3. Bougainvillea 4. Honeysuckle 5. Passionflower 6. Clematis 7. Bleeding Heart Vine 8. Carolina Jessamine 9.
Can climbers be grown in containers?
Most climbers can be grown in containers but some are better suited than others and some are appropriate but only with a very large pot. Compact forms of Clematis and Lonicera are the most common choices for very good reason, but there are plenty more. Climbing Plants for Small to Medium Sized Containers