Choosing a climbing plant
When choosing a climbing plant think about the height, spread and location. Vigorous climbers may exceed expectations! Self-climbing e.g. hedera hibernica, need no support and will happily attach themselves to walls and woodwork. Twining climbers e.g. clematis, like to wind around a trellis or other supporting structure. If you have an arch or arbour to cover, consider scented climbers like jasmine or honeysuckle.
How to train a climbing plant
- Ensure that your plant supports are securely in place before planting.
- Train new shoots by carefully and gently tying them to the supports with twine.
- If planting to train up a wall, plant around 30cm away from the base of the wall and position supports in a fan design to help the plant grow to an even shape.
- Prune any shoots that appear wild and do not fit the main structure.
Climbing plant supports
- Stakes - simple stakes that push into the ground. Can come in a variety of sizes.
- Obelisks - Small obelisks can simply be pushed into the soil. However, larger sizes may need anchoring to prevent tipping.
- Hoops - A circle or semicircle support that can be pushed into the ground.
- Trellises - Trellis for climbing plants is usually a criss-cross design made of wood or metal that can be attached to a wall.
- Free standing screen - These are usually made with plastic mesh or wire, and are suited to sheltered sites to avoid heavy winds.
- Wires - Horizontal or vertical wires can be positioned and held in place by vine eyes (metal circles that can be screwed into walls.
- Moss pole - A central pole to sit in a plant pot, mainly used for houseplants.
For information on how to grow climbing plants, see our climbing plants growing guide.
