Climbing Flowers in Wisconsin

Clematis

• Clematis are known for their showy, summer-blooming flowers that cover twining vines. The wide selection of Clematis hybrids available offer an array of colors and bloom sizes. Clematis hybrids prefer plenty of sun on their foliage but require cool, moist, shaded soil covering their roots. Underplanting with a ground cover will help keep roots cool. A structure such as a fence or trellis is required to support these fast-growing vines. Clematis are hardy to USDA Zone 4.

Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle

• Dropmore scarlet honeysuckle (Lonicera x brownii) is another fast-growing vine that does well in Wisconsin. Its bright scarlet tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and bloom from June until frost. This twining vine looks equally attractive whether climbing up a trellis or creeping along the ground. It's an easy, adaptable plant that does well in sun or shade. It is hardy to USDA Zone 4.

Climbing Hydrangea

• Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris) bears large white fragrant flowers on vines that cling to structures using "hold-fasts." This allows them to grow on both trellises and walls. Climbing hydrangea also features dark green leaves and ornamental reddish-brown peeling bark. It prefers rich soil and part shade, though it will tolerate full sun in a protected location. This vine is hardy to USDA Zone 5.

Climbing Roses

• While not vines, some hardy roses can be trained to climb a trellis or arbor. The cultivar William Baffin for example, is particularly hardy and offers deep pink semi-double flowers on long arching canes. Henry Kelsey is another climbing rose suitable for Wisconsin. It produces red summer-blooming flowers. These roses require full sun and are hardy in USDA zones 3 and 4.