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What are the Different Types of Trellis Plants?

Lumara Lee
Lumara Lee

Many flowering and ivy plants are commonly grown on trellises. Some trellis plants are annuals, such as morning glory and moonflower, while others are perennials that will come back every year, such as English ivy and clematis. Vegetables that have vines, such as cucumbers, beans, and peas, can be grown on a trellis. Fruits that grow on vines include kiwis, melons, and grapes, and can be attached to a trellis for vertical gardening. The list of plants that can grow on a trellis is large and ranges from shade plants to plants that require full sun.

Clematis is one of the most popular trellis plants. It is available in both fast and slow-growing varieties, and has flowers that come in many different colors and shapes. Clematis is a perennial that creates an eye-catching display with stunning blooms as it covers the trellis or other support.

Kiwi fruit growing on the vine.
Kiwi fruit growing on the vine.

Fragrant trellis plants are also popular with gardeners. Honeysuckle, wisteria, jasmine, sweet peas, and climbing roses create a beautiful vertical garden. These plants will add a delicious perfume to the landscape and exhibit stunning blossoms as well.

Many varieties of beans, peas, and squash grow on vines and make good trellis plants. Some gardeners create bean tepees by tying bamboo poles together and training the bean vines to grow up the poles. Bean tepees provide sturdy support to prolific bean vines while providing hiding places that small children may enjoy.

Cucumbers often grow well on a trellis.
Cucumbers often grow well on a trellis.

Cantaloupes, watermelons, and honeydew melons grow on vines which can be attached to a trellis, but these fruits are too heavy to be grown in a vertical garden without help. When the fruits start to develop, the gardener must attach a sling to the trellis to support the weight of each growing melon. Vines take up a lot of room in a garden, so vertical gardening is a good way to maximize the use of limited space when growing vegetables and fruits with vines.

A trellis can be used to support growing peas.
A trellis can be used to support growing peas.

Grapes can be grown on trellises and arbors. Domestic varieties will tolerate some shade, but wild varieties will yield more fruit in shady areas. Other edible trellis plants that will grow in shade are climbing fig, scarlet runner beans, and hyacinth beans. These bean plants attract hummingbirds, which will add another colorful note to the shade garden.

Jasmine grows best on a trellis.
Jasmine grows best on a trellis.

Trellises aren’t the only structures that will support plants that grow on vines. Any trellis plants can also be grown on fences, walls, and arbors. Their leaves and flowers can hide unsightly elements in a yard, such as electric meters and heat pumps, while creating an attractive barrier.

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    • Kiwi fruit growing on the vine.
      Kiwi fruit growing on the vine.
    • Cucumbers often grow well on a trellis.
      By: Natalya Korolevskaya
      Cucumbers often grow well on a trellis.
    • A trellis can be used to support growing peas.
      By: sevenk
      A trellis can be used to support growing peas.
    • Jasmine grows best on a trellis.
      By: nadsud
      Jasmine grows best on a trellis.
    • The moonflower is an example of a trellis plant that's an annual.
      By: Bob Peterson
      The moonflower is an example of a trellis plant that's an annual.
    • Honeydew melon vines can be attached to a trellis.
      By: thomaszobl
      Honeydew melon vines can be attached to a trellis.
    • Trellis plants, like ivy, can also be trained to climb walls.
      By: alekuwka83
      Trellis plants, like ivy, can also be trained to climb walls.