Climber combinations: vertical abundance on walls, pergolas and fences

The forgotten dimension

Most gardens are designed flat. Borders on the ground, a lawn, perhaps a tree. But the vertical space — walls, fences, pergolas, arches — is rarely used. That is a waste, because climbing plants transform a garden like nothing else. They add height, depth and romance. And they cover ugly features in an elegant way.

Here are five combinations that turn your vertical surfaces into walls of flowers.

Combination 1: Clematis and climbing rose — the classic duo

This is the most proven combination in the gardening book. A climbing rose such as 'New Dawn' (soft pink, fragrant, indestructible) partnered with a clematis that grows through it. Choose Clematis 'Etoile Violette' (deep purple) or 'Comtesse de Bouchaud' (pink) — they flower at the same time as the rose in June and July.

The rose provides structure, the clematis fills the gaps. Together they cover every square metre. The trick: plant the clematis on the shady side of the rose, about 45 centimetres from the main stem. Clematis wants shade at the root but sun at the top. The rose naturally provides that shade.

Combination 2: Wisteria and star jasmine

The two fragrance kings. Wisteria sinensis along the top of a pergola — those hanging blue racemes in May are unforgettable. And along the lower section Trachelospermum jasminoides (star jasmine, evergreen) which bears white, jasmine-scented flowers in June.

This gives you two consecutive months of heavenly fragrance. The wisteria is deciduous, the star jasmine is evergreen — so in winter you retain green cover. Be warned: wisteria becomes heavy. A sturdy pergola with thick posts is essential.

Combination 3: Honeysuckle, climbing Hydrangea and ivy — for shade

Not every wall gets sun. On the north side this combination works perfectly. Lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina' (wild honeysuckle, fragrant, flowering June to September) as a twining bloomer. Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris (climbing hydrangea) as a white cloud in June that self-clings to the wall. And Hedera helix 'Glacier' as an evergreen base covering the lower metre.

The honeysuckle is semi-evergreen and smells strongest in the evening — perfect next to a seating area or bedroom window. The climbing hydrangea is a slow starter but becomes spectacular after three to four years.

Combination 4: Passion flower, Solanum and Clematis — the summer trio

For a warm, sheltered spot. Passiflora caerulea (passion flower) with its exotic blue-white blooms is hardy to minus 10 degrees Celsius against a sheltered wall. Solanum laxum 'Album' (potato vine) bears white stars from June to November — one of the longest-flowering climbers available. And Clematis tangutica with yellow lantern flowers in late summer followed by fluffy seed heads.

This trio gives a lush, almost tropical feel. The Solanum may die back in harsh winters but regrows from the base in spring.

Combination 5: Evergreen climbing screen

If you want a green screen all year, choose a combination of Trachelospermum jasminoides, Clematis armandii 'Apple Blossom' (evergreen, pink-white flowers in March) and Akebia quinata (chocolate vine, semi-evergreen, purple flowers with a chocolate scent).

On a two-metre wire frame you will have a dense, evergreen screen within two years with three flowering periods. The Akebia can even bear fruit in mild winters — elongated purple pods that are edible. A conversation starter for certain.

Guiding climbing plants properly

Every climber attaches differently. Self-clingers (ivy, climbing hydrangea) need no support but can damage mortar joints. Twiners (honeysuckle, wisteria) need horizontal support — wires or battens. Tendril climbers (clematis) grip thin supports — mesh or trellis. Know how your plant climbs and provide the right support.

Leave a gap of at least 5 centimetres between the climber and the wall. This prevents moisture problems and allows air circulation. Use stand-off fixings when mounting wires.

Design your vertical garden

Curious how climbing plants would transform your fence or pergola? Upload a photo at gardenworld.app and explore the possibilities. From bare wall to flowering masterpiece — you will see the difference instantly.