The Ultimate Guide to Perennial Flowering Vines and Climbers

Are you looking to add some vertical interest to your garden? Perennial flowering vines and climbers are a great way to do just that. While annual vines are easy enough to incorporate into your landscape, perennial vines require a bit more planning and consideration. These beautiful plants will grace your garden for years to come, so it’s essential to choose the right ones for your space.

Table of Contents

In this guide, we’ll explore 20 of the best perennial flowering vines and climbers to enhance your garden. Whether you want to train them over an arbor, up a trellis, or cascade from a hanging pot, there’s a perfect plant for every situation. From classic favorites like Clematis to exotic blooms like Chocolate Vine, these plants will add color, fragrance, and texture to your outdoor space.

Tips for Growing Climbing Vines

Before we dive into our list of top perennial flowering vines, let’s take a moment to discuss the different methods these plants use to climb. Understanding how your vines climb can help you choose the right support structure and care for them properly.

There are several methods that vines use to climb:

Twining: These vines climb by circling their branches around a support structure.
Tendrils: Some vines use small shoots called tendrils to anchor themselves to a supporting structure.
Aerial Roots: Other vines have aerial roots or suckering disks that attach themselves to a support structure.

Keep in mind that some vines, like Trumpet Vine, can be quite aggressive and may damage wood, stucco, or brick mortar. Be prepared to put in the effort to control their growth if you choose to plant them in your garden.

Clematis (Clematis spp.)

The Clematis genus offers a stunning selection of woody-stemmed plants, including climbing flowering vines and short bushy varieties. Popular with gardeners, Clematis vines like ‘Jackmanii’ and ‘Nelly Moser’ are known for their dramatic blooms. While these vines may need a little help initially, they will twine with grace around a trellis or other support structure.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
Color Varieties: Numerous options available
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris)

With its aerial rootlets, the Climbing Hydrangea can reach heights of 60 to 80 feet when given a wall or large tree to cling to. This plant thrives in shady locations but can tolerate full sun with consistent moisture. Its shrub-like flowers and peeling bark add winter interest to the garden.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Color Varieties: White flowers
Sun Exposure: Part shade to full sun with moist soil
Soil Needs: Moist, well-draining soil

Chocolate Vine (Akebia quinata)

The Chocolate Vine offers spicy scented, brownish-purple blossoms that hang like pendants. This fast-growing vine features lush foliage and can quickly reach heights of 30 to 50 feet. However, be cautious as it has invasive tendencies in some regions.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Color Varieties: Brownish-purple flowers
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Hardy Kiwi Vine (Actinidia arguta or Actinidia kolomikta)

This cold-hardy relative of the supermarket kiwi produces distinctive foliage and small fragrant flowers. With a twining growth habit, the Hardy Kiwi Vine needs sturdy support for vertical growth.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
Color Varieties: Variegated foliage
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil

Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

The Purple Passionflower, also known as Maypop, features large serrated leaves and exotic-looking flowers. With a twining growth habit, these vines can reach 15 to 20 feet in length and are prized for their complexity and beauty.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Color Varieties: Various colors available
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Moist, well-draining soil

Additional Recommendations

In addition to the plants mentioned above, here are a few more perennial flowering vines and climbers to consider for your garden:

Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans): Loved by hummingbirds and butterflies, this native Southern U.S. plant can grow up to 40 feet long but needs sturdy support and regular pruning.
Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides): Producing fragrant blooms in late spring to early summer, this twining vine is excellent as a ground cover or on trellises.
Moonflower (Ipomoea alba): With blooms that open at night, the Moonflower adds a touch of magic to the garden. Considered a fast-growing vine, it’s perfect for ground cover or support structures.

By selecting a variety of vines with different blooming times and growth habits, you can create a dynamic vertical garden that provides interest throughout the year.

In Conclusion

Perennial flowering vines and climbers add a sense of charm and beauty to any garden. Whether you’re looking to create a lush, romantic retreat or add a pop of color to your landscape, these plants offer a versatile and low-maintenance solution. With the right care and support, these vines will flourish and enhance your outdoor space for years to come. So, grab your gardening tools and start planning your vertical garden oasis today!