17 Fast-Growing Climbing Vines For Trellises, Gates, & Walls - Epic Skyward Gardens!

Do you have a wall that’s feeling too boring? Or a fence that’s more blah than bam!? Fear not! We’re about to embark on a botanical adventure to transform nearly any mundane surface, farm fence, or wall into living, breathing works of art.

Imagine vibrant vines scaling trellises like caffeinated squirrels, leaves dancing in the breeze, and flowers winking at each passerby. That’s what this article is all about. It’s time to meet the fast climbers, the green superheroes who turn outdoor spaces into vertical wonderlands.

Lovely purple clematis growing across a brick wall in an English garden.

Ready? Let’s grow – skyward and upward! 🌱🌼

17 Fast-Growing Vines For Trellises, Gates, And Walls

There are countless vining plants for your wall. But let’s kickstart our list with a yummy edible variety. Shall we?

1. Malabar Spinach

Yummy malabar spinach growing on an epic garden trellis.

Malabar isn’t a true spinach variety, but it’s a fantastic alternative for hot climates where regular spinach tends to bolt. Its mild flavor with peppery notes and a hint of citrus makes it a delightful addition to salads or cooked dishes.

Malabar spinach is a tropical plant that loves the heat and thrives in full sun. It can even tolerate partial shade, resulting in larger, succulent leaves. If you cultivate this delicious climber, moisten the soil to prevent premature flowering and bitter leaves.

USDA Zones: 7 to 10.
Mature Height: 6 to 10 feet (or even more!) with proper support.
Appearance: Malabar spinach’s dark green, glossy leaves resemble true spinach but are heart-shaped and slightly thicker. Consider the red-leaf variety, which boasts striking red stems for added visual appeal.

A verdant tapestry of heart-shaped leaves, Malabar spinach, ascends with grace. Like whispered secrets, its tendrils twine counterclockwise around trellises, reaching for the sun. Mild and peppery, its flavor dances on the palate, while its gluey texture, akin to okra, enchants the senses.

2. Passionflower

Epic passionflower growing in a lovely floridian garden.

This flamboyant climber is the life of the garden party, flaunting its intricate purple blooms like nature’s fireworks. Passionflower is not just a pretty face; it is known for its calming properties, often used in teas to soothe the soul. Encourage this social climber with a sturdy trellis and watch it spread its joy upwards.

USDA Zones: 6 to 10.
Mature Height: Up to 30 feet.
Appearance: Passionflowers (Passiflora spp.) have unique, exotic-looking flowers in various colors, such as purplish pink, blue, red, and white. The broad, flat petal base has five or ten petals arranged in a circle, surrounded by threadlike or membranous outgrowths called the corona. These flowers attract pollinators and produce edible fruits in some varieties.

Imagine a clandestine rendezvous between a butterfly and a star. The passionflower, with its intricate tendrils and celestial blooms, whispers secrets to the moon. Each petal is a brushstroke in a cosmic masterpiece.

3. Hops

Green hop vines growing on an old barn roof.

The unsung hero of the beer world, hops is more than just a bittering agent for your favorite brew. This vigorous vine can create lush green screens that provide privacy and a touch of the wild. Train hops along wires or fences, and it’ll reward you with a cascade of cones and a hint of happy hour in your backyard.

USDA Zones: 5 to 9.
Mature Height: Up to 25 feet.
Appearance: Hops (Humulus lupulus) are climbing plants with lush green foliage on tall vines extending up to 25 feet. The leaves have serrated edges and are typically 3 to 5 inches long. The flowers are cone-shaped and contain a sticky, yellow gland called lupulin. They are famous in beer brewing for flavor and aroma.

These botanical alchemists concoct the elixir of dreams. Their verdant tendrils spiral upward, weaving hop cones like golden promises. Brewed into beer, they transform ordinary evenings into poetic reveries.

4. English Ivy

Epic ivy plant climbing on a stone wall balcony.

With its evergreen elegance, the classic English ivy is the ideal climbing plant for adding a touch of class to any castle tower – or front porch! It’s not just about good looks; this ivy purifies the air like a green vacuum cleaner. Give it a wall or a tree, and it’ll climb with the determination of a British mountaineer.

USDA Zones: 5 to 9.
Mature Height: Up to 100 feet.
Appearance: English ivy (Hedera helix) is an evergreen vine with dark green, glossy, ivy-shaped leaves. The leaves are alternately arranged on woody stems and can climb or spread. It produces ornamental blackberries and outdoor rocks for vertical interest in gardens.

The aristocrat of climbers, English ivy drapes castle walls with emerald velvet. Like ancient manuscripts, its leaves tell tales of forgotten romances and whispered intrigues.

5. Trumpet Vine

Trumpet vine with pink flowers climbing up a lovely farmyard fence.

Here’s a plant that can blow its trumpet – quite literally! With its bold, trumpet-shaped flowers, this vine is a siren call to hummingbirds. Plant it near a pergola or archway, and let it jazz up the place with its vibrant performance.

USDA Zones: 4 to 9.
Mature Height: 25 to 40 feet.
Appearance: Trumpet vines (Campsis radicans) grow fast and large, reaching up to 40 feet tall. The compound leaves are somewhat fern-like. The large, showy flowers bloom in summer and are about 4 inches long, trumpet-shaped, and dark orange. They attract hummingbirds and bees. Be prepared for its vigorous growth and spreading tendencies.

A herald of summer, the trumpet vine blares its scarlet fanfare. Its blossoms, like fiery trumpets, summon hummingbirds to a nectar-filled ballroom.

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6. Sweet Pea

Delicious sweet pea vine growing on a garden trellis.

Oh, the sweet, sweet scent of the sweet pea! This garden darling waltzes in with frilly flowers and a fragrance that’ll make you swoon. Provide a net or some strings, and it’ll twirl its way up with the grace of a ballerina.

USDA Zones: 7 to 9.
Mature Height: Up to 8 or 10 feet.
Appearance: Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are charming annual flowers with vibrant colors like red, blue, pinkish purple, and white (but I haven’t seen any yellow). Their ruffled petals resemble tiny butterflies. These vining plants can reach 3 to 10 feet in height and are famous for their sweet fragrance and use as cut flowers.

Delicate and fragrant sweet peas pirouette on slender stems as they develop along your trellis or fence. Their pastel petals flutter like ballerinas, leaving a trail of soft perfume in their wake.

7. Wisteria

Lovely wisteria vine growing on a sturdy wooden trellis.

The grand dame of climbers, wisteria, drapes its lavish lilac tresses over anything that stands still long enough. It’s a long-term commitment, but the breathtaking blooms are worth the wait. A strong support structure is necessary – wisteria doesn’t take ‘no’ for an anchor.

USDA Zones: 5 to 9.
Mature Height: Over 30 feet.
Appearance: Wisteria (Wisteria spp.) features cascading clusters of fragrant, pea-like flowers in hues of purplish pink, blue, or white. The flowers hang from woody vines with pinnate leaves. Wisteria is known for its stunning floral displays in spring and early summer.

In the twilight, wisteria cascades like lavender rain. Like lilac chandeliers, its pendulous blooms invite moonlight to dance among their fragrant clusters.

8. Bougainvillea

Epic pergola with bougainvillea vines growing on a beautiful sunny day.

The tropical temptress bougainvillea brings the fiesta to your fence with its vivid bracts. It’s a sun worshipper, so give it a spot to bask and blaze in glory. Just a heads-up: it plays hard to get with its thorns, so handle it with care and charm.

USDA Zones: 9 to 11.
Mature Height: 3 to 30 feet.
Appearance: Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.) is a tropical vine with vibrant bracts (modified leaves) surrounding small, inconspicuous flowers. The bracts come in various colors, like orange, magenta, or pinkish purple. Bougainvillea adds a splash of color to gardens and trellises.

Flamenco dancers in botanical form, bougainvillea flaunts vibrant ruffles. Sun-kissed and audacious, they adorn garden walls with tropical exuberance.

9. Clematis

Stunning clematis flowers climbing on a wooden fence.

The Queen of Climbers, clematis, reigns with a crown of colorful spring flowers. It’s versatile, too, pairing well with other plants for a royal garden alliance. Keep its feet cool and its head in the sun, and it’ll ascend to the throne of your trellis.

USDA Zones: 3 to 9.
Mature Height: 72 to 140 inches.
Appearance: Clematis (Clematis spp.) produces large, showy flowers in various shapes and colors, including purple, white, blue, and pink. The flowers have multiple petals and often bloom in spring or summer. Clematis vines climb using leaf petioles.

The poet’s muse, clematis, twines its verses around trellises. Its star-shaped flowers, delicate as whispered secrets, bloom in shades of amethyst and ivory.

10. Jasmine

Jasmine vine intertwining and thriving on a wooden fence.

Jasmine is the night’s enchantress, unfurling its perfumed petals as the stars come out to play. This twining beauty loves an excellent support to wrap around, like a lover’s embrace. Let it climb, turning your evenings into an aromatic affair.

USDA Zones: 6 to 9.
Mature Height: 8 to 12 feet.
Appearance: Jasmine (Jasminum spp.) has fragrant, star-shaped white, tan, or yellow flowers. The glossy, dark green leaves grow opposite each other on climbing vines. Jasmine is prized for its sweet scent and is perfect for perfumes and teas.

The night’s confidante, Jasmine, exhales intoxicating perfume. Like moonlit whispers, its ivory blossoms infuse the air with longing and romance.

11. Kiwi Vine

A lovely and thriving baby kiwi fruit vine growing on a fence.

Who knew you could grow a slice of New Zealand in your backyard? The kiwi vine is a robust rambler that brings a bounty of fuzzy fruits. It needs a strong structure and a mate for pollination – it’s a vine that believes in teamwork.

USDA Zones: 3 to 8.
Mature Height: 25 to 30 feet.
Appearance: Kiwi vines (Actinidia arguta) have heart-shaped leaves and produce small, greenish-white flowers. The vines are vigorous climbers and are known for their edible kiwi fruits.

Kiwi vines stretch across arbors, their heart-shaped leaves a verdant canopy. Hidden among the foliage, fuzzy kiwi fruits await discovery as a treasure hunt for the senses.

12. Black-Eyed Susan Vine

A lovely Black-Eyed Susan vine thriving along a backyard fence.

This cheerful climber winks at the sun with its bright-eyed blooms. It’s a fast-growing companion, proliferating and mingling easily with other plants. Give it a lattice to latch onto, and it’ll spread sunshine throughout your garden.

USDA Zones: 9 to 10.
Mature Height: 3 to 8 feet.
Appearance: The black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia alata) features trumpet-shaped flowers, dark centers (resembling black eyes), and colorful petals. The leaves are heart-shaped, and the vine climbs using tendrils.

With sunny faces and ebony eyes, these climbers flirt with the sun. Their tendrils reach for warmth, weaving a golden tapestry against azure skies.

13. Scarlet Runner Beans

Organic scarlet runner beans growing on a large hazel garden frame.

The scarlet runner neans are the sprinters of the plant world, racing up their supports with fiery red flowers in their wake. They’re not just for show. These beans are edible and ornamental. A few poles or a trellis, and they’ll easily win the race to the sky.

USDA Zones: 7 to 11.
Mature Height: 6 to 9 feet.
Appearance: Scarlet runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus) have bright red flowers and large, heart-shaped leaves. The vines are grown for their ornamental value and edible beans.

Scarlet runners race up poles, their crimson blooms like victory banners. Edible and ornamental, they celebrate life’s dual purpose and offer sustenance and beauty.

14. Cardinal Climber

A lovely cardinal climber vine with a bright red flower blooming and climbing a fence.

The cardinal climber is a beacon for hummingbirds and butterflies with its radiant red flowers. It’s a natural climber, so provide a mesh or some strings, and it’ll quickly scale new heights. These climbing plants love warm tropical climates.

USDA Zones: Grows best in 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a.
Mature Height: 6 to 15 feet.
Description: Cardinal climber (Ipomoea x multifida) has finely dissected leaves and produces trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red. It’s a favorite for attracting hummingbirds.

A cardinal’s cloak of scarlet feathers transformed into petals. This climber, with its trumpet-shaped flowers, serenades the morning sun.

15. Moonflower

An epic moonflower vine with lovely white flowers growing on a fence.

As if by magic, the moonflower unfurls its luminous blooms under the moon’s gaze. This night-time charmer is perfect for evening garden soirees. A fence or a trellis will serve as its stage for a nightly performance.

USDA Zones: 10 to 12.
Mature Height: 15 to 30 feet.
Appearance: The moonflower (Ipomoea alba) opens its large, fragrant white flowers at night. Its heart-shaped leaves and twining vines make it an enchanting addition to moonlit gardens.

A nocturnal enchantress, the moonflower unfurls its alabaster petals under star-strewn skies. Its fragrance lures moths like celestial admirers.

16. Hyacinth Bean

A lovely hyacinth bean vine growing with striking purple beans.

With its royal purple pods, the hyacinth bean is nobility among climbers. It’s not just a feast for the eyes; the young pods are a culinary delight. A sturdy support will see it climb with the poise of a prince.

USDA Zones: 10 to 11 (perennial), grown annually in other zones.
Mature Height: Up to 20 feet.
Appearance: Hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureus) has purple or white flowers and striking purple pods. The leaves are trifoliate, and the vine is grown for its ornamental value and edible beans.

Purple cascades of hyacinth bean flowers drape over fences. Their pods, like amethyst jewels, promise a harvest of magic.

Read More – How To Grow Vertical Zucchini On A Trellis!

17. Climbing Hydrangea

A rustic backyard garden with legendary climbing hydrangea flowers flourishing.

Climbing hydrangea is a classic climber. It uses holdfasts (suckers) to scale structures without needing a trellis. Talk about resilience! While it prefers full sun to part shade, it’s surprisingly shade-tolerant, especially in hot climates. Adequate watering ensures vibrant blooms.

But be cautious – all parts of hydrangeas are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, so choose your planting spot wisely.

USDA Zones: 4a to 8a.
Mature Height: These showy vining flowers easily reach 50 feet or more! Imagine a fragrant floral cascade on your trellis or wall. That said, they will take many years to reach their full size.
Appearance: The white lacy blooms of climbing hydrangea contrast beautifully with its lush green ovate leaves. The red venation in the leaves adds an extra layer of color intrigue.

In the shadowed corners of gardens, climbing hydrangea unfurls its lacy blooms. A trailing artist, it paints walls and fences with white elegance. A true climber, it scales without trellises, clinging with aerial roots. Slow to blossom, but once established, it soars fragrant whispers echoing in the breeze. 🌿🌸🌱

Conclusion

Thanks for reading about climbing plants, vines, and flowers with us. We’ve grown many of these lovely climbers in our garden. But we can’t decide which one is our favorite.

What about you?

Which climbing vine is your favorite?
Do you have any vertical climbing plants in your yard?
Are your climbers annuals or perennials?
Do you have a trellis or wall that needs a makeover?
Do you know of any good climbing plants that we missed?

We hope to hear from all like-minded climbing plant growers near and far! (Let us know what you think.)

Thanks again for reading.

Have a great day!