Flowers such as gardenias or azaleas typically grow from the ground or on bushes. Take flowers to the next level with vines that spread the beauty of blossoms to eye level and above on a trellis or pergola.
Three ways vines climb
Three types of vines climb structures. Two similar types, twining and tendril vines, climb by wrapping themselves around frameworks such as trellises, lattices, fences or pergolas. These vines weave and twist themselves along as they soar higher and higher.
Clinging vines need no frames or slats to climb on. They can spread themselves up a wall or flat surface. These vines sprout aerial roots that seize hold of the surface and climb it.
How to train vines on a trellis
Twining and tendril vines need a grid-like structure to wrap themselves and grow. Plant them at the base of a trellis or similar structure. To help them get started, use string, twist, or zip ties to attach a few low tendrils to the climbing structure. Once started, the vine will do the rest.
If you want to grow twining or tendril vines up the side of your house, position the trellis or lattice a couple of inches away from the wall. The structure needs to be securely anchored to the ground, with a few points of the upper lattices anchored to the wall. Otherwise, as the vine flourishes, its weight will pull the lattice down to the ground.
For clinging vines, no structure is needed. Simply plant the vine at the base of the wall on which you want it to grow, and it will do the rest.
Good choices for climbing vines
You’ll find many gorgeous flowering climbing vines to choose from: wisteria, clematis, honeysuckle, trumpet vine, and climbing roses. Some of these, such as wisteria and clematis, have several breathtaking variations.
