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Climbers

Vines and scramblers that clothe walls, fences and pergolas.

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All 66 climbers in the catalogue, alphabetical by common name. Each links to a full page with its ratings across the USDA, RHS, Canadian and Australian systems.

  • American wisteria Wisteria frutescens – Southeastern North American native wisteria with shorter flower racemes than the Asian species and a much less aggressive habit. The right wisteria for North American gardens, where Asian species are seriously invasive. USDA zones 5–9
  • Apple berry Billardiera scandens – Light twining climber from southern and eastern Australia with edible fruit tasting of stewed apple. USDA zones 8–10
  • Arabian jasmine Jasminum sambac – Tropical evergreen scrambling shrub with intensely fragrant pure-white double or single flowers throughout the warm season. The principal fragrance jasmine of south and southeast Asia and the source of jasmine tea. USDA zones 9–12
  • Armand clematis Clematis armandii – Vigorous evergreen Chinese clematis with long leathery dark-green leaflets and clusters of fragrant pure-white star flowers in earliest spring. The principal evergreen clematis of mild temperate gardens. USDA zones 7–9
  • Bitter melon Momordica charantia – Tropical cucurbit climber producing warty green fruit eaten as a vegetable across South and Southeast Asia. Studied for hypoglycaemic activity. USDA zones 9–12
  • Black-eyed Susan vine Thunbergia alata – East African twining climber with arrow-shaped leaves and continuous five-petalled flowers in orange, yellow, or cream around a dark chocolate central eye. Tender perennial usually grown as a warm-season annual. USDA zones 10–11
  • Blue passionflower Passiflora caerulea – South American climber with deeply lobed leaves and intricate large white-and-blue passion flowers throughout summer. The hardiest of the cultivated passion flowers and a vigorous mild-climate climber. USDA zones 7–10
  • Bougainvillea Bougainvillea spectabilis – Vigorous spiny climber with vivid papery bracts in pink, purple, orange or white. USDA zones 9–11
  • Bower vine Pandorea jasminoides – Vigorous evergreen eastern Australian climber with glossy dark green compound leaves and clusters of large pink-and-purple-throated trumpet flowers in summer. USDA zones 9–11
  • Cape leadwort Plumbago auriculata – Scrambling South African shrub or climber with light-blue (or white) phlox-like flowers through warm months. One of the most reliable mass-flowering shrubs of warm-temperate and subtropical gardens. USDA zones 9–11
  • Cat's claw Uncaria tomentosa – Vigorous tropical Peruvian woody vine with hooked thorns ("cat's claws") at the leaf bases. Inner bark is a traditional Amazonian anti-inflammatory and immunomodulator. USDA zones 9–12
  • Chilean bellflower (Copihue) Lapageria rosea – Evergreen Patagonian climber with leathery dark leaves and large pendant waxy bell flowers in deep crimson, pink, or white — among the most exquisite climbing flowers in cultivation. The national flower of Chile. USDA zones 8–10
  • Chilean flame creeper Tropaeolum speciosum – Perennial herbaceous twining nasturtium relative from southern Chile, with deeply lobed leaves and brilliant scarlet trumpet flowers in summer through autumn. Climbs through evergreen shrubs and hedges. USDA zones 7–9
  • Chocolate vine Akebia quinata – Vigorous East Asian semi-evergreen climber with palmate leaves and unusual chocolate-scented dark purple flowers in spring. Edible (in the right region) pale-purple sausage-shaped fruit if both sexes pollinate. USDA zones 5–9
  • Climbing hydrangea Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris – Self-clinging deciduous East Asian climber with rounded leaves and broad flat heads of small fertile flowers ringed by larger sterile florets in early summer. The principal climber for north-facing walls. USDA zones 4–8
  • Common honeysuckle (Woodbine) Lonicera periclymenum – Twining deciduous climber with intensely fragrant cream and pink trumpet flowers. The classic scent of midsummer evenings in the British countryside. USDA zones 4–9
  • Common ivy Hedera helix – Self-clinging evergreen climber that becomes shrubby and flowers only on mature stems high up on its support. The flowers are one of the most important late-season nectar sources in temperate gardens. USDA zones 4–9
  • Common jasmine Jasminum officinale – Twining deciduous climber with pinnate leaves and clusters of intensely fragrant small white star-shaped flowers from midsummer to early autumn. The classic European garden jasmine. USDA zones 7–10
  • Dang shen (Poor man's ginseng) Codonopsis pilosula – Twining vine with bell-shaped flowers. Roots are a gentler, less expensive substitute for true ginseng in many TCM formulae. USDA zones 5–8
  • Dragon fruit (Pitaya) Selenicereus undatus – Climbing tropical cactus producing large pink-skinned fruit with white or pink flesh. Spectacular night-opening flowers. USDA zones 10–12
  • Grape — Boskoop Glory Vitis vinifera "Boskoop Glory" – Reliable dual-purpose dessert and wine grape from the Netherlands. Suits cooler-summer climates including the UK and southern Australian tablelands. USDA zones 5–8
  • Grape — Cabernet Sauvignon (wine) Vitis vinifera "Cabernet Sauvignon" – Late-ripening red wine grape thriving in warm continental and Mediterranean climates. The basis of major wines from Bordeaux to Margaret River. USDA zones 6–10
  • Grape — Chambourcin (wine) Vitis "Chambourcin" – French-American hybrid wine grape with strong disease resistance. Suits warm-humid climates where vinifera varieties suffer from rot and mildew. USDA zones 5–9
  • Grape — Concord Vitis labrusca "Concord" – Mid-1800s Massachusetts cultivar — the dominant American species grape. Foxy-flavoured juice, jelly, and "Welch's style" sweet wine. USDA zones 4–8
  • Grape — Crimson Seedless Vitis vinifera "Crimson Seedless" – Late-season red seedless table grape from the USDA breeding program. Crisp texture and long storage life. USDA zones 7–10
  • Grape — Flame Seedless Vitis vinifera "Flame Seedless" – Bright red seedless table grape — Californian-bred, the dominant red supermarket grape worldwide. USDA zones 7–10
  • Grape — Isabella Vitis labrusca "Isabella" – American species grape with a distinctive musky "foxy" flavour. Far more cold-hardy and disease-resistant than European wine and table grapes. USDA zones 5–9
  • Grape — Muscat of Alexandria Vitis vinifera "Muscat of Alexandria" – Ancient table-grape variety with intensely aromatic green to amber fruit. Demanding of heat to ripen well. USDA zones 7–11
  • Grape — Pinot Noir (wine) Vitis vinifera "Pinot Noir" – Notoriously site-specific wine grape — finest expression in cool maritime climates with long cool autumns. USDA zones 5–9
  • Grape — Riesling (wine) Vitis vinifera "Riesling" – Cold-hardy white wine grape, the noble grape of the Rhine and Mosel valleys. Excellent in cool-climate viticulture. USDA zones 4–8
  • Grape — Thompson Seedless (Sultana) Vitis vinifera "Thompson Seedless" – The dominant commercial table grape worldwide and the basis of most sultana raisin production. USDA zones 7–11
  • Grape — Wine grapes (general) Vitis vinifera – Wine grape variety selection is highly localised — particular cultivars are matched to specific climates, soils, and aspect over centuries. USDA zones 5–10
  • Grape vine Vitis vinifera – Deciduous climber producing edible fruit. Needs full sun and good drainage. USDA zones 6–9
  • Gurmar (Sugar destroyer) Gymnema sylvestre – Tropical climbing vine of South and Southeast Asia. Chewing the leaves temporarily abolishes the perception of sweetness — hence "sugar destroyer". USDA zones 10–12
  • He shou wu (Fo-ti) Reynoutria multiflora – TCM longevity herb taken from prepared (cured) tuberous root. Climbing perennial related to Japanese knotweed. USDA zones 5–9
  • Hop Humulus lupulus – Vigorous herbaceous climber grown for the resinous female cones used to flavour and preserve beer. Dies to the ground each winter. USDA zones 3–8
  • Indian long pepper Piper longum – Tropical climbing vine related to black pepper. Catkin-like fruit is a culinary spice and a known bioenhancer in Ayurveda — increasing absorption of co-administered herbs and pharmaceuticals. USDA zones 10–12
  • Italian leather flower clematis Clematis viticella – Southern European deciduous climber with masses of small nodding bell flowers in purple, ruby, or pink through high summer. The hardiest and most disease-resistant clematis species and parent of many garden cultivars. USDA zones 4–9
  • Ivy-leaved geranium Pelargonium peltatum – Trailing or scrambling South African pelargonium with thick succulent ivy-shaped leaves and clusters of pink, mauve, red, or white flowers throughout the warm months. The classic balcony and window-box "geranium" of Mediterranean Europe. USDA zones 9–11
  • Jackman’s clematis Clematis ‘Jackmanii’ – The original large-flowered clematis hybrid of 1862, with rich deep-purple velvet four-petalled saucer flowers through high summer. The signature clematis cultivar of British gardens for 160 years. USDA zones 4–8
  • Japanese wisteria Wisteria floribunda – Vigorous Japanese twining climber with longer pendant flower racemes (up to 1 m) than Chinese wisteria, opening progressively from base to tip. The wisteria of the great Japanese tunnel and arbour plantings. USDA zones 5–9
  • Keriberry Rubus rugosus – Vigorous scrambling bramble with sweet, blackberry-like fruit. USDA zones 9–11
  • Kiwifruit — Green Actinidia deliciosa – Vigorous deciduous vine bearing fuzzy brown fruit with bright green flesh. Needs a sturdy permanent structure and serious annual pruning. USDA zones 7–9
  • Kiwifruit — Hardy (Kiwiberry) Actinidia arguta – Cold-hardy cousin of kiwifruit producing grape-sized smooth-skinned fruit eaten whole. USDA zones 3–8
  • Kiwifruit (Chieftain, male) Actinidia chinensis – A male pollinator vine for kiwifruit; vigorous and deciduous, it does not fruit itself. USDA zones 8–10
  • Lablab bean (Hyacinth bean) Lablab purpureus – Vigorous tropical climbing legume with ornamental purple flowers and pods. Fast-growing summer cover crop and a vegetable in many cuisines, but raw beans are toxic. USDA zones 3–12
  • Madder Rubia tinctorum – Sprawling rough-leaved perennial with whorled prickly leaves and tiny yellow flowers. The roots are the historical source of red, pink, and orange textile dyes — the original Turkey red of European trade cloth. USDA zones 6–10
  • Mandevilla Mandevilla × amabilis – Tropical American twining climber with glossy dark green leaves and large trumpet flowers in pink, red, or white throughout warm months. The standard summer container climber and tropical patio plant. USDA zones 10–12
  • Mashua Tropaeolum tuberosum – Andean tuberous nasturtium relative with deeply lobed grey-green leaves and bright orange or yellow tubular flowers, climbing 3 m or more. Produces large yellow and red-streaked tubers. USDA zones 7–10
  • Millaa millaa Elaeagnus latifolia – Vigorous scrambling subtropical shrub with tart-sweet red fruit; fixes nitrogen. USDA zones 9–11
  • Mountain clematis Clematis montana – Vigorous Himalayan deciduous clematis with masses of small white or pink four-petalled flowers smothering the plant in late spring. The earliest and most reliably free-flowering of the large clematis species. USDA zones 6–9
  • Native sarsaparilla Hardenbergia violacea – Twining Australian native climber or trailing ground cover with leathery leaves and sprays of small purple pea flowers in late winter and early spring. USDA zones 8–11
  • Passionflower — Medicinal Passiflora incarnata – Hardy native passionflower of the southeastern US, distinct from the edible passionfruit species. Aerial parts traditionally used for anxiety and insomnia. USDA zones 5–9
  • Passionfruit — Purple Passiflora edulis – Vigorous evergreen vine with intricate purple-and-white flowers and aromatic egg-shaped fruit. USDA zones 9–12
  • Passionfruit — Yellow Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa – Tropical form of passionfruit — larger, more acidic, and more heat-tolerant than the purple type. The form widely grown in true tropical climates. USDA zones 10–12
  • Pink jasmine Jasminum polyanthum – Vigorous evergreen twining jasmine with masses of pink-budded white star flowers in late winter and early spring. Earlier flowering than common jasmine and a popular cool-greenhouse and mild-climate climber. USDA zones 9–11
  • Pipevine (Dutchman’s pipe) Aristolochia macrophylla – Vigorous deciduous climber with very large heart-shaped leaves and curious pipe-shaped flowers. Grown both as a screen and as a butterfly host. USDA zones 4–8
  • Potato vine Solanum laxum – Vigorous scrambling South American climber with abundant clusters of small white-and-yellow potato-family flowers throughout the warm months. Excellent rapid screen for mild-climate gardens. USDA zones 9–11
  • Red kiwiberry (female) Actinidia purpurea – A hardy kiwi vine with smooth-skinned, grape-sized fruit and red-tinged flesh. USDA zones 5–9
  • Schisandra Schisandra chinensis – Hardy deciduous climbing vine producing red berries known in Chinese as "wu wei zi" — five-flavour fruit. Adaptogenic and liver-protective. USDA zones 3–8
  • Star jasmine Trachelospermum jasminoides – Evergreen twining climber with dark glossy leaves and clusters of small white pinwheel-shaped flowers carrying intense vanilla-jasmine fragrance through summer. Not a true jasmine — in the dogbane family. USDA zones 8–10
  • Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus – Annual twining climber with paired pinnate leaflets, terminal tendrils, and stems of fragrant pea-flowers in almost every colour through summer. The classic British cottage-garden cut-flower annual. USDA zones 2–11
  • Taiwan raspberry Rubus formosensis – Subtropical Asian raspberry with red-orange fruit on vigorous, scrambling canes. USDA zones 9–11
  • Three-leaf akebia Akebia trifoliata – East Asian semi-evergreen twining climber with attractive three-lobed leaves and small dark-purple flowers in spring, followed by large purple sausage-shaped fruits with white edible jelly-like flesh. USDA zones 5–9
  • Trumpet creeper Campsis radicans – Vigorous southeastern North American native deciduous climber with pinnate leaves and dense terminal clusters of large orange-red tubular flowers through high summer. The classic hummingbird flower of eastern North America. USDA zones 4–9
  • Wisteria Wisteria sinensis – Vigorous deciduous climber with cascading fragrant lavender flowers in spring. Needs strong support. USDA zones 5–9

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