Low maintenance evergreen climbing plants are a great way to bring beauty and greenery to outdoor spaces without the hassle of regular maintenance or upkeep.
These climbing plants donโt require excessive watering, pruning, or fertilizing to keep them looking healthy and vibrant, providing a long-lasting pop of color all year round.
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How do Climbing Plants Know Where to Climb?
Climbing plants have tendrils, those threadlike strands, that you see coming from the leaves or the stem of a plant. These tendrils are what reach out to find something to climb on.
Once the tendrils feel a solid object, they coil around it, pulling the whole rest of the plant with it. Then, together, the tendrils and the plant continue to grow around the object, thus resulting in a climbing plant.
Benefits of Low Maintenance Evergreen Climbers
Evergreen climbers add beauty to your outdoor space without having to worry about regular maintenance or upkeep. Besides adding pretty colors to your garden trellis the whole year, these plants have other benefits as well.
Shade
Climbers can also be used to provide natural shade and privacy over pergolas, as well as offer support for other plants. They can be trained along any surface, such as a fence or wall, and make unique decorative features that will draw attention in any outdoor space.
Fragrance
Some climbing plants offer more than just color, they can also bring a fragrant smell to your outdoor space. Varieties such as jasmine and honeysuckle are especially known for producing sweet aromas.
Color
Evergreen climbing plants come in many different colors, from bold reds and oranges to subtle greens and blues. Choosing the right variety for your garden will depend on the color scheme you want to achieve, and the color of your annual flowers, if you have any.
Pollinators
Evergreen climbers can also be beneficial for attracting pollinators to your garden, such as bees and butterflies, as they provide a great source of nectar for these insects.
What to Look for When Choosing an Evergreen Climber
When choosing a low maintenance evergreen climber for your outdoor space, consider factors such as climate conditions, soil type, and space available. Also think about the growth rate of the plant, as some varieties can grow quite quickly and may need more frequent pruning than others.
Consider the Climate Conditions
USDA Hardiness Zones are a great way to determine what type of climber is suitable for your area. Climbers will vary in their ability to withstand different climates, so make sure you select one that can survive in your region.
Soil Type
The soil type is important when it comes to any plant, climbers included.
Itโs best to choose a variety that can thrive in the type of soil found in your area, as this will ensure healthy growth and vigorous blooms. If youโre unsure what type of soil your garden has, take some time to investigate before purchasing a climber.
Space Available
The amount of space available for your evergreen climber is another important factor to consider.
If you have a limited area, opt for a smaller variety that can be trained along trellises or walls. For larger gardens, climbers such as wisteria or clematis provide spectacular displays of color and fragrance over pergolas and arches.
How to Install a Climber
Installing a climber on a fence or wall is a relatively easy process, but it is important to make sure that the structure you’re attaching the climber to is strong enough to hold its weight.
Prepare the Area
Begin by preparing the wall or fence with a treated timber frame with galvanized steel fixing screws.
Attach With Wire
Once the frame has been secured, attach your chosen type of evergreen climbing plant using galvanized wire. The wires should be wrapped around each other at least twice and strung across the entire width of each upright post in order to provide support for the plant.
Compost and Water
Finally, use compost as a soil supplement when planting your self-clinging climber, and water thoroughly.
When to Plant Climbers
The best time to plant evergreen climbers is during the spring and summer months (June, July, August), as this will provide them with enough time to establish good root systems before winter.
Make sure you water your plants regularly, as they can be susceptible to drying out if not given enough moisture.
Evergreen Climber Maintenance
Keeping evergreen climbers in top condition is relatively easy and requires only occasional maintenance.
Prune
Itโs best to prune the plant in early spring before it starts to bloom, as this will ensure that your climber has a healthy shape and looks attractive throughout the summer months.
However, for many evergreen climbers, pruning is not necessary unless you want to keep the plant in a certain shape or size. Generally, if left undisturbed, evergreen climbers will spread and flower naturally.
Mulch
You can also use a mulch around the base of the climber to keep moisture levels consistent.
Check for Pests or Disease
Additionally, check for pests or disease regularly and spray with an insecticidal soap if necessary.
Fertilize
Finally, apply fertilizer once every few months during growing season to give your climber the nutrients it needs.
With these simple steps, you can ensure that your evergreen climber remains healthy and thriving all year round.
Best Climbers
When it comes to choosing the best evergreen climbers for your landscape, there are a few important factors to consider.
For partial shade, twining honeysuckle and ivy are both good choices as they tolerate low light levels and will provide a covering within a few months of planting.
If youโre looking for something that grows in full sun, clematis is an ideal choice, particularly if you want something that grows quickly.
Other fast-growing climbers include English ivy, climbing hydrangea and Virginia creeper.
Here are some beautiful, low maintenance options you’ll also want to consider:
- Clematis (Clematis alternata)โThis evergreen clematis is a great option when you’re looking for color.
- English Ivy (Hedera helix)โFor an evergreen climber that also offers a bit of privacy, English ivy is an excellent choice.
- Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris)โThis is a great choice for shady areas and will produce sweetly-scented white blooms in the spring.
- Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)โThis fast-growing climber provides excellent coverage and turns a beautiful red in the fall.
- Chocolate Vine (Akebia quinata)โespecially attractive for its fragrant flowers, this evergreen climber is also known for its chocolate-scented leaves.
- Trumpet Vine Creeper (Campsis radicans)โwhich provides a good amount of color throughout the year, produces both red and yellow flowers, and attracts hummingbirds.
- Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)โblooms in the winter and spring and is great for creating a colorful low-maintenance hedge.
- American Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens)โa woody climber that adds a beautiful cascade of fragrant purple flowers in the summer.
- Passion Flower (Passiflora caerulea)โknown for its showy flowers, this evergreen climber is also attractive for its sweet-smelling fragrance.
- Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra)โa beautiful, tropical-looking climber with colorful blooms.
- Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)โa lovely evergreen with fragrant white flowers.
- Honeysuckle (Lonicera species)โan easy to grow, hardy evergreen climber with fragrant blooms that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
These are just a few of the many evergreen climbers available to add beauty and interest to your garden.
No matter what type of evergreen climber you choose, with just a little bit of care and attention, it is sure to be an eye-catching addition that will bring life and color to your outdoor space.
The benefits of having an evergreen climber in your garden are numerous, from providing shade and beauty to attracting pollinators and wildlife. With the right care and maintenance, you can enjoy a gorgeous landscape for many years to come.
More Ideas for Easy Yard Care
If you love having a beautiful yard, but also have other things you like to spend your time and energy on, search the entire library of low maintenance landscaping tips:
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- Evergreen Low Maintenance Plants
- Fast Growing Low Maintenance Hedge Plants
- Low Maintenance Evergreen Climbing Plants
- Low Maintenance Evergreen Plants for Pots
- Low Maintenance Evergreen Shrubs
- Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas
- Low Maintenance Perennials
- Low Maintenance Trees
- Must-Have Low Maintenance Shade Plants