If you’re charmed by the thought of incorporating a trellis into your outdoor space, you’re not alone. In fact, we took it a step further at our former residence by constructing one over a walkway, which led to a charming and intimate garden experience. The addition of a whimsical homemade gate added an extra layer of charm, making the area feel truly unique and beautiful.
One of the best things about this DIY project is that it’s surprisingly budget-friendly.
So, if you’re looking to replicate a similar ambiance on your property but aren’t sure what to plant to make the most of your trellis, keep reading for some inspiration.
26 Gorgeous Trellis Plants:
Cucumber
While trellises are often associated with flowering vines like peas and beans, they can also be an excellent choice for growing garden veggies like cucumbers. This approach offers several benefits – it provides a natural shade for the plants as they grow, eliminating the need to bend down to pick them. The trellis structure also helps keep the soil beneath clean and weed-free, reducing the amount of maintenance required.
By using a trellis to support your cucumber plants, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh, easy-to-pick produce without having to sacrifice precious garden space.
Clematis
Clematis flowers evoke a sense of nostalgia and fond memories for me. The image of these delicate blooms instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s patio, where she would lovingly tend to her Clematis in a pot with an integrated trellis. Her garden was always a sanctuary, filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the warmth of family gatherings.
Similarly, whenever I think of Clematis, I’m reminded of my mother-in-law’s stunning front yard display, where she would carefully train the vines to climb up a sturdy trellis. Her passion for gardening was contagious, and it’s no surprise that her love for Clematis has been passed down to me.
Angel Trumpet
When I first discovered these extraordinary flowers through my mother-in-law, I was introduced to an entirely new world of botanical wonders. However, it’s essential to note that many people may be deterred from growing these blooms due to their unique property: when inhaled intentionally, they can have a euphoric effect. It’s crucial to put aside any concerns and appreciate the beauty that these flowers possess.
In reality, they’re a treat for the senses, as their large, trumpet-shaped blooms unfurl at dawn, making for a stunning wake-up experience.
Heavyweight Wisteria
Imagine walking through a whimsical garden, surrounded by the delicate, flowing blooms of Wisteria. This enchanting flower is perfect for creating a storybook-like ambiance on a trellis, making it an ideal choice for any gardener seeking to add a touch of magic to their outdoor space.
Morning Glory
When it comes to adding a pop of color to your trellis, Morning Glory is another popular and easy-to-grow option. Its delicate vines can beautifully cascade over any surface, creating a stunning display that’s hard to resist. If you’re looking to add some visual interest to your outdoor space, Morning Glory could be the perfect choice for you.
Golden Hops
The Golden Hops plant is a sight to behold, with its robust golden leaves stretching beautifully across a trellis. The vibrant coloration gives the impression of having your very own ‘Yellow Brick Road’ right in your own backyard. As you gaze upon this whimsical display, it’s hard not to be charmed by the natural allure of these sun-kissed leaves.
Climbing Hydrangea
While hydrangeas may be breathtakingly beautiful, their fleeting nature can’t be ignored. We’ve had the pleasure of incorporating them into our own wedding arrangements a decade ago, and it’s hard to believe how quickly time has passed! That being said, their tendency to bloom and then swiftly fade means you won’t get to bask in their loveliness for extended periods like with some other flower options. It’s essential to consider this when planning your floral arrangements.
Honeysuckle
Growing honeysuckle on a trellis holds a special significance for me, evoking fond memories of my childhood summers. I grew up in a small town that felt like stepping into Mayberry, where community and adventure thrived. Every summer, our neighborhood kids would gather to entertain ourselves outside all day. Honeysuckle was always a refreshing treat we’d savor as we played in the heat.
Its sweet aroma and sticky texture bring back memories of carefree days spent with friends, and I’m eager to recreate that magic by training honeysuckle on my trellis.
Lilac Solanum
The lilac-hued blooms of these flowers are truly breathtaking. As a vibrant splash of color, they bring an undeniable charm to any space where they’re planted. If you’re seeking a visually striking spot to stroll beneath your trellis, then incorporating a plant with such stunning blooms into your garden design might be the perfect solution.
Yellow Variegated Ivy
When it comes to incorporating trellises into our outdoor spaces, we often think of them as a gateway to a garden area, but some creative souls use them to lead the eye into a stunning flower-filled retreat with built-in seating. In these instances, where vibrant blooms already abound, the need for additional color on the trellis itself may be diminished, making Ivy a suitable and understated choice for this purpose.
Jasmine
The delicate charm of jasmine lies in its understated elegance. As a group of small flowers, they produce dainty white blooms that exude simplicity and sophistication. If you’re seeking a subtle yet striking addition to your garden or trellis, jasmine’s gentle beauty is sure to captivate attention without overpowering the surrounding landscape.
Vitis Coignetiae
Embrace the vibrant charm of Bluebell Nursery’s ornamental grape vine, despite its intimidating name. This stunning vine boasts breathtaking reddish-orange leaves that will undoubtedly add a pop of color to any trellis space. While it may not yield fruit, its striking hues make up for it, providing a unique and captivating display.
Half Runner Green Beans
One of the most practical applications for a trellis is to use it as a support system for climbing plants like half runner green beans. We experimented with this idea by placing a PVC trellis over a walkway and planting the bean vines on the exterior. This innovative solution served multiple purposes, offering not only a shaded pathway but also simplifying the process of harvesting our fresh green beans.
Grapes
Just as you can cultivate an ornamental grapevine for its aesthetic appeal, you can also plant a full-fledged grape vine for its bounty. By training the vines up a trellis, you’ll ultimately achieve a lush canopy of leaves and grapes that will make harvesting a breeze. And when it’s time to pluck those juicy grapes, this thoughtful arrangement will spare you from excessive bending, making the entire process more efficient and enjoyable.
Trellis Nasturtium Flame Thrower
These stunning plants boast not only vibrant flower hues but also numerous advantages. Unbeknownst to many, they possess natural properties that enable them to repel unwanted pests, attract beneficial insects, and offer several other benefits. Incorporating these plants into your trellis setup can be a valuable addition.
Black Eyed Susan Vine
The Trumpet Vine, with its vibrant yellow and orange blooms, is another stunning option for training on a trellis. Not only does it add a burst of color to an entranceway or serene strolling path beneath the trellis, but its delicate tendrils also create a beautiful display as they wind their way up the structure.
Cup and Saucer Plant
The gorgeous Honeysuckle vine boasts an unmistakable charm, with delicate flowers that unfurl into tiny bells and resemble small cups. Meanwhile, the leaves that cradle the blooms have a saucer-like shape, creating a harmonious arrangement that brings subtle yet striking beauty to your home.
Sweet Pea Cupani
The Sweet Pea ‘Spencer’ variety is often considered the original and most iconic form of the sweet pea plant. Notably, it boasts a more robust and sweeter fragrance compared to other versions of the flower. For those who appreciate enchanting aromas and vibrant hues, cultivating this species along a trellis can be a delightful experience.
Wave Petunias
Wave Petunias have a special place in my heart, and I adore how they effortlessly cascade from any container they’re planted in. This natural flow is especially captivating when paired with a trellis. Just imagine strolling beneath the structure only to gaze up and behold a stunning display of petunias gently spilling down. The visual effect would be nothing short of breathtaking.
Gourds
Gourds are notorious for their ability to spread quickly if left uncontained, making them an ideal candidate for training onto a trellis. This not only keeps the surrounding area tidy but also showcases the vibrant, ornamental varieties or serves as a convenient way to grow regular gourds for future use.
Canary Creeper
For garden enthusiasts seeking to inject a splash of vibrancy into their outdoor spaces, the bright yellow blooms of this stunning plant are sure to impress. As a versatile and eye-catching addition to any trellis or landscape design, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to add some warmth and color to their surroundings.
Squash
Squash plants are a feast for the eyes as much as they are for the palate. Before maturing into their signature forms, they display vibrant yellow blooms that add a pop of color to any garden. As the squash develop, they bring with them an array of textures and hues, creating a visually stunning experience.
The added benefit of training your squash vines on a trellis means you can enjoy the fruits of your labor without having to contend with sprawling leaves or awkward bending – simply ascend the trellis to harvest your bounty.
Strawberries
Strawberries are a fantastic option for training on a trellis, as they can thrive and produce abundant fruit along its structure. As the plants grow, their stems will naturally trail and bloom, creating a beautiful display that’s easy to maintain and enjoy. When it comes time to harvest your strawberries, having them trained on a trellis makes the process much more efficient and comfortable, eliminating the need for tedious searching through dense foliage.
This simple yet effective method can greatly enhance your strawberry-growing experience.
Watermelon
As a tribute to my mother-in-law’s enduring love for watermelon, we had grown it annually in our garden. As her end drew near, the sweet taste of this refreshing fruit became an overwhelming craving for her. To accommodate her desire without allowing the vines to sprawl uncontrollably, we constructed makeshift trellises and trained the plants to climb upon them, achieving a harmonious coexistence between watermelon and garden space.
Cantaloupe
As my experience in cultivating watermelon on trellises got underway, I simultaneously started experimenting with cantaloupe cultivation using the same method. This approach proved to be a game-changer in terms of monitoring and maintaining the health and growth of these melon varieties. The convenience and effectiveness of this technique have led me to firmly believe that I will never revert to growing melons on the ground again.
Pumpkins
While pumpkins are indeed part of the squash family, many people wouldn’t automatically think of them when considering this group. However, pumpkins can thrive when grown on a trellis, where they benefit from support, easier harvesting, and reduced rotting risks. In fact, I’ve found that growing pumpkins on a trellis has become a permanent fixture in my gardening routine. As you now have over 20 options for trellis-friendly plants to grow, the possibilities are endless.
Whether your trellis is nestled within a flower garden walkway, an archway leading into a garden, or simply a standalone feature, it can add beauty and functionality to your outdoor space. I hope one of these ideas sparks inspiration for creating a unique haven in your yard that you’ll truly enjoy. So, do you have a trellis in your backyard? We’d love to see how you’ve designed yours and what plants you’re growing on it.
Sharing tips and tricks can be incredibly helpful, especially when it comes to encouraging lush growth and fullness on your trellis. Let us know by dropping a line in the comment box below – we can’t wait to hear from you!
