Plants for an Outside Trellis

Flowers

• Among the most common choices for trellis planting are the moon flower and the morning glory, both annual climbing ornamentals. The moon flower has white blossoms set against deep green foliage, which open at dusk. The morning glory comes with purple, pink or blue flowers, and puts on its most spectacular show in the morning hours of the summer months. Climbing roses are good trellis plants, available in many varieties and colors. The trumpet vine grows well on a trellis, and its large, red orange flowers add a beautiful splash of color to the garden. Clematis is a suitable trellis plant, with delicate foliage and showy blooms in a variety of colors.

Ornamental Vines

• Among the most common and attractive ornamental vines are various types of ivy. While these can be damaging when allowed to climb over homes and other structures, they can serve as screens or shade plants when trained to ramble up and around a trellis. The red passion vine is an evergreen, making it useful as a year round privacy screen.

Vegetables

• Many types of vine vegetables can be trained to a trellis. Cucumber plants will often have a higher yield if grown vertically, rather than spreading along the ground. Certain varieties of squash can be trellis trained, though their fruit may require support as it gains size. Many tomato varieties can benefit from the support of a trellis, as can peas and bean plants.

Fruit

• Quite a few varieties of fruit will grow on a trellis, conserving space and often producing a higher yield of healthier fruit. Among these are cantaloupes and other melon types, kiwis, some varieties of berries--such as blackberries, raspberries and certain strawberry plants--and grape vines. Even apple and pear trees can be trained for trellis growth, reducing the space they require in the garden.