People love vines. They especially love Clematis and Honeysuckle. What most don’t know is there are a handful of amazing climbers that deserve a shot to be in every garden. Take a peek at this list and try something new this spring!
- Wisteria – Most think of this as a southern plant. Typically it is, but breeders have crossed a few varieties and have produced several that work very good up here in zone 4. One particular specimen is called “Aunt Dee.” I have tried it in multiple micro-climates and have had success with blooms as early as year 2.
Climbing Hydrangea – This is truly one of the most hidden secrets in the plant world. Imagine the most coveted flowering bush known to man and smacking its flowers on a vine. Presto, you have a Climbing Hydrangea. I don’t know of anybody that hates a Hydrangea. This would hold true of this vine if it were more widely known!
- Boston Ivy – Is a close cousin to Virginia Creeper, but not nearly as invasive. This plant moves slowly up and eventually spreads creating a dense wall of green. The magical part of this vine is its fall showcase of bright red color. If you desire to shroud your brick Tudor in Minneapolis with green this is the one.
- Rose – There are a few select roses that can be trained up a trellis or pergola. Climbing John Cabot and Rambling Red are two of them. They are slow growing, hardy to our climate, and produce profuse blooms. I do not plant them a lot because many of my clients think that roses are a pain in the butt. The truth of the matter is that most roses that are sold here in Minnesota by local nurseries are able to survive winter without much protection other than to put some extra mulch around the base of the plant in the fall. If you are in love with English gardens the above mentioned roses would be a very good friend to you and your pergola.