Climbing plants are a beautiful addition to any landscape. You can train them to trail up arbors, trellises, fences, and other structures for a romantic, whimsical garden aesthetic. But many climbing plants are also fast growers that can take over the landscape in a way you might not have intended, especially if you have a small outdoor space. Luckily, many climbing plants can grow prolifically in pots and containers, allowing you to enjoy their beauty without constantly tending to their unruliness. Ahead, we’re sharing the climbing plants experts recommend for growing in pots and containers.
Meet the Expert
Adrienne Roethling, head gardener for a private estate and former curator of Juniper Level Botanic Gardens at Plant Delights Nursery
Kelly Funk, president and CEO of Jackson & Perkins, a nursery specializing in roses, perennial flowers and shrubs, and trees
Related: 11 Fast-Growing Climbing Roses for a Lush, Cottage-Garden Look
01 of 09
Chocolate Vine
Chocolate vine (Akebia quinata) climbs on rails.
Credit: Anne Green-Armytage/Getty Images
Chocolate vine (Akebia quinata) is a vigorous climber in the garden, but it can be controlled in container plantings. “Just like the common name states, when in flower, the blooms are sweetly fragrant like warm chocolate,” says Adrienne Roethling, head gardener for a private estate. The vines wrap around structures, producing foliage in spring followed by tiny clusters of burgundy or white flowers.
Size: 20 to 40 feet tall x 6 to 9 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-draining soil
Tips
When planting climbing plants in containers, ensure the pots are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system. Using containers that are too small can restrict growth and lead to root-bound plants, reducing overall vigor and flowering potential.
02 of 09
Sweet Peas
Credit: Getty Images
Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is an annual vine that does best in the mild conditions of spring and fall. This climbing plant doesn’t like heat or humidity, with most plants finishing their life cycle by June or July. Gardeners can plant five to six seedlings in a 12-inch container with a support structure, says Roethling. “The grey, vining stems and leaves give way to clusters of 1-inch ruffled flowers,” she says. “They are sweetly fragrant and come in many colors.”
Size: 4 to 6 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; rich, well-draining soil
03 of 09
Honeysuckle
Credit: Getty / Suzanna Ruby
Honeysuckle (Lonicera) is a charming, wonderfully fragrant plant to grow in the garden. ‘Major Wheeler’ is a great variety for growing in containers, thanks to its compact size and non-invasive habit. It produces pollinator-friendly red-orange tubular flowers that bloom heavily in late spring and re-bloom sporadically throughout summer, says Kelly Funk, president and CEO of Jackson & Perkins.
Size: 20 to 30 feet tall x 6 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; moist, well-draining soil
04 of 09
Black-Eyed Susan Vine
Credit: Getty Images
Black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia alata) combines the cheerfulness of black-eyed Susan flowers with the whimsicalness of climbing plants. This vine thrives in hot, humid summers and blooms for weeks at a time. “It will grow very well in seasonal containers and thrive when given adequate moisture and fertilizer,” says Roethling. “The wiry stems produce single green leaves that wrap around support structures and begin flowering shortly after establishment. The open-faced flowers come in pink, white, yellow, and a few shades of orange.”
Size: 3 to 8 feet tall x 3 to 6 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; rich, well-draining soil
05 of 09
Clematis
Credit: Getty Images
Clematis (Clematis spp.) is one of the most popular vining plants among gardeners. There are many varieties to choose from, from showy star-shaped blooms to bell-shaped flowers. “Clematis will do well in containers if grown on a support structure,” says Roethling. “Most clematis vines reach extensive heights while some varieties weave or scramble up to 2 feet.” You can prune the vines after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance.
Size: 1 to 3 feet tall x 3 to 6 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; rich, well-draining soil
06 of 09
Rocktrumpet
Credit: Getty Images
Rocktrumpet (Mandevilla spp.) is a tropical vine that’s great for container plantings. “In spring, right after the last frost, place rocktrumpet in a large container with well-amended soils,” says Roethling. “They like the full sun and with sufficient water and fertilizer, will provide blooms all summer.” Cut the vining plant as needed so it maintains a tidy appearance.
Size: 3 to 10 feet tall x 3 to 4 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; rich, well-draining soil
07 of 09
American Wisteria
Credit: Getty Images
American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) is a fast-growing climbing plant native to North America. Growing it in containers is a great way to enjoy its beautiful purple blooms without letting it take over your landscape. “Trim any unwanted stems or cut the plant somewhat hard after flowering to maintain its size,” says Roethling.
Size: 15 to 40 feet tall x 4 to 8 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; rich, well-draining soil
08 of 09
Climbing Roses
Credit: Getty Images
Climbing roses (Rosa setigera) are a beautiful addition to any garden. For containers, Funk says to grow the ‘Peppermint Party’ variety, which boasts beautiful pink-and-white striped blooms. “With a neat, manageable climbing habit, it fits beautifully into pots with vertical supports,” she says. “Its continual blooming and sweet scent make it a standout for small garden spaces or patios.”
Size: 8 to 10 feet tall x 4 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; moist, well-draining soil
09 of 09
Hedera
Credit: Getty Images
Hedera (Hedera spp.) can take over the garden, but growing it in containers is a great way to control its size while still enjoying its beauty. Consider growing ‘Tropical Blizzard,’ which is slow-growing and delivers year-round interest in containers. “This ivy variety offers eye-catching variegated foliage in mint green and creamy white, creating a marbled, frosted effect,” says Funk. “Its broad leaves and unusual coloring bring a bold, tropical look to container arrangements.”
Size: 8 feet tall x 15 feet wide
Care requirements: Partial sun to full shade; moist, well-draining soil
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