Climbing Plants & Pergolas

Grapevine and Wood Pergola

• A grapevine is a good climbing plant for a pergola. It provides ample shade and edible fruit. A grapevine pergola must be sturdy enough to hold a mature vine, which can be quite heavy. It also must provide room for the grape bunches to hang and ripen. For these reasons, grapevine pergolas are typically built with sturdy 2- by 4-inch overhead latticework. Tie the latticework together with zinc-coated or stainless steel woodworking brackets and rust-proof nails.

Ivy on Wire

• Ivy, even when mature, is a substantially less woody vine than a grapevine or rose bush. An ivy pergola requires more support and no large gaps between the supporting latticework. Secure it with wire spaced every 6 to 8 inches 7 forming a grid pattern overhead. This gives the ivy something to grip while growing. It is easily hidden as the ivy fills out.

Rosebush Archway

• A climbing rose is a choice if you want to build an archway or covered walkway. Fully mature rosebushes are as woody as grapevines. In some cases, they are substantially sturdier. If the path or walkway is less than a few feet wide, you can forego building a roof. Place two trellises on either side of the walkway and train roses to grow up the trellis on each side. At the top, bridge the gap across the walkway by using gardening tape or wire to wire the rosebushes to each other. The rosebush wood provides the overhead support and the rose leaves provide the shade.

Honeysuckle and Patio Pergola

• Honeysuckle is a choice for a fast-growing, climbing plant for your pergola. It is invasive in many parts of the United States. Prevent it from spreading to the rest of your garden. Consider planting your honeysuckle in a pot, at least 5 gallons, at the base of your pergola over a patio. A honeysuckle vine grows readily in a pot and is an option for a patio or deck pergola that is built over a concrete slab or wood decking.