Elevate Your Garden with Round Trellises for Climbing Plants

As both a passionate gardener and landscaper, I’m always looking for ways to maximize vertical space in the garden. And one of my favorite methods for adding height and dimension is incorporating round trellises as supports for climbing plants. The circular silhouette makes an eye-catching statement while providing the ideal framework for vines and climbers to gracefully ascend.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of round trellises, the best types of climbing plants to grow on them and creative ways to incorporate circular trellis structures to boost your garden’s visual appeal.

Why Choose a Round Trellis?

Round trellises offer some unique advantages over other support shapes

• Visual Interest – The rounded form stands out against fences, walls, and square planting beds for increased drama and focal points.

• Space Efficiency – Circular trellises efficiently utilize garden space since vines can grow 360 degrees around the structure.

• Easy Planting – The continuous ring design makes it easy to plant all the way around the trellis.

• Air Circulation – Open spacing between rungs improves airflow to help prevent disease in vines.

• Strength – Curved metal or wood is very sturdy against strong winds and heavy vines.

• Aesthetic Versatility – Circular shapes complement styles from traditional English gardens to modern landscapes.

With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why round trellises are a top choice of many gardeners and landscapers.

Best Plants for Round Trellises

When selecting climbing plants, consider growth rate, size, and attaching method to find varieties well suited to round trellises:

• Jasmine – Fast-growing jasmine adds intense fragrance with pretty white pinwheel-like flowers.

• Clematis – Showy, vigorous varieties like ‘Jackmanii’ and ‘Roguchi’ cover the trellis in large colorful blooms.

• Honeysuckle – Lovely and sweetly scented, honeysuckle thrives in a full circle shape on round trellises.

• Hydrangea Petiolaris – Climbing hydrangea develops slow but fills in beautifully with lush green foliage and white clustered blooms.

• Morning Glory – Quickly covers with heart-shaped foliage and cheery trumpet-shaped summer flowers in shades of blue, purple and pink.

• Passion Flower – Unique flowers with intricate detailing bloom through summer over vigorous climbing vines.

• Climbing Roses – Rambling rose varieties create romantic full bunches of colorful summer roses.

Ensure success by selecting types designated as climbers rather than creepers or trailers. Sturdy attaching tendrils will cling and wrap around the trellis as they increase in size rather than rely on tying up.

Creative Ways to Use Round Trellises

Now that we’ve covered the best plants, here are some inspiring ways to effectively incorporate round trellises in your landscape:

• Grow a clematis vine over a freestanding trellis to create a beautiful “flowering tower” focal point.

• Use smaller diameter hoop trellises to support tomato plants and cucumbers along a vegetable garden fence.

• Plant a trellis with sweet peas or morning glories to make a colorful garden entryway arbor.

• Add height to potted plants on the patio or deck by inserting a trellis into containers.

• Frame and accentuate architectural elements like garden arches or gates with flanking trellises.

• Provide climbing structure along plain walls and fences by mounting circular trellises.

• Hide eyesores like AC units, water tanks and pool equipment behind a planted trellis screen.

• Grow climbing hydrangea or roses over a trellis placed in front of windows to softly filter the view.

• Link multiple trellises with vines to create a vertical green fence or “living wall” divider.

With a bit of creativity, round trellises can be incorporated into almost any garden situation to maximize vertical growing space while adding beauty.

Choosing the Best Round Trellis Designs

Once inspired to add a circular trellis, it’s time to pick out the perfect style for your space. Here are some top options that provide both form and function:

Metal Ring Trellises

• Pros – Extremely durable powder-coated steel, aluminum or iron; available in many diameters and heights; easiest to attach vines.

• Cons – Can look stark in off-season without foliage; more modern look.

• Best Use – Freestanding spots, along fences, framing arbors.

Wooden Round Trellises

• Pros – Warm natural look; sustainable cedar and redwood resist decay; often less expensive.

• Cons – Not as strong/stable as metal; wood stains need frequent touch ups.

• Best Use – Rustic gardens, against home exteriors, blending with natural fences.

Arched Round Trellises

• Pros – Graceful arched top adds height; very sturdy construction; fun tunnel effect.

• Cons – Fixed size limits placement options; higher cost.

• Best Use – Garden arbors, pathways, fruit tunnels, accent planting beds.

Decorative Wrought Iron

• Pros – Intricate scrollwork and finial details; powder-coated for durability; custom sizing.

• Cons – More expensive; very ornate style not for everyone.

• Best Use – Focal points, entries, poolside, highlighting special plants.

Once you select the right trellis style for your space, it’s time to pick the perfect plants and start elevating your garden design!

Caring for Plants on Round Trellises

While trellises minimize maintenance needs, climbing plants will thrive with a bit of care:

• Keep soil consistently moist as vines establish extensive root systems.

• Apply a balanced granular fertilizer around the base in early spring.

• Gently tie young shoots to trellis posts for proper alignment.

• Prune off dead growth and tidy up wayward branches for best coverage.

• Check attachments to prevent girdling and loosen as stems thicken.

• Add seasonal interest with cool-weather container plantings at the base.

With the right plants in place, circular trellises practically take care of themselves! Just relax and enjoy the visual interest and flowering shows in your vertically maximized garden.

Frequently Asked Questions About Round Trellises

What size round trellis should I buy?

Consider the mature spread of the plants when choosing diameter. Small 18-24” rounds work for container vines. Larger 4-6’ trellises better suit most climbing plants.

How tall of a trellis do I need?

Select trellis height based on the mature height of your vines. Slow growers like hydrangea only need 4-5’. Quick climbers like roses and morning glory need at least 6-8’ for proper support.

How do I mount a round trellis?

Freestanding trellises can be placed anywhere. For mounting, use sturdy brackets, eye hooks, or wall anchors and wire, chain or cable. Ensure hardware is corrosion-resistant.

Should I put gravel under a freestanding trellis?

Gravel, pea stones or mulch around the base helps prevent mud. Elevate small trellises on bricks or blocks to improve drainage too.

How do I overwinter vines on a round trellis?

Trim back long whip-like shoots and clean up foliage. Insulate roots with mulch. Wrap structure with burlap or garden fabric if very exposed to wind.

Can I relocate a round trellis easily?

Smaller lightweight wooden or metal trellises can be moved seasonally. Large wood or heavy metal trellises are harder to relocate once in place and planted on.

With their gorgeous shapes and versatility, round trellises are sure to boost vertical growing space as well as visual appeal in your garden. Choose the perfect trellis and vines to create your own magnificent “green tower”!