Climbing plants and rambling plants for sunny and shady spots

Black-eyed Susan (Thunbergia alata)

There is a wide selection of flowering climbing plants that thrive in sunny spots. One of the best known is probably the black-eyed Susan, which is unmistakable with its yellow-orange flowers and the black eye-shaped spot that gives it its name. It is characterised by a long flowering period from July to October and grows up to 20 cm a week – an ideal climbing plant for you if you are looking for a fast-growing variety.

Characteristics and requirements of the black-eyed Susan:

• full sun
• high water requirements
• very fast-growing
• vigorous climber

Clematis

Clematis is one of the most popular climbing plants for sunny spots. You’ll find a huge selection of different clematis varieties in shops. This impressive plant originally comes from Texas, so it’s used to summer temperatures and plenty of light. Clematis captivates with its beautiful and abundant flowers – but it also has specific requirements. The roots of this climbing plant do not like heat or direct sunlight at all. You should therefore plant a ground cover beneath the clematis to ensure that the roots remain cool and shaded. Suitable plants for this include silver rue, golden strawberry or small lady’s mantle.

Characteristics and requirements of clematis:

• full sun
• The roots prefer shade
• Grows up to six metres (approx. 19.7 ft.) tall
• abundant blooms

Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus)

Sweet peas are also sun-lovers and thrive in full sun. Sweet peas owe their name to the enticing fragrance they give off. The flowering period runs from June to August. Reaching a height of up to 150 cm (approx. 4.9 ft.), the sweet pea does not climb quite as high and is therefore ideal for lower railings, walls and also as a climbing balcony plant.

Characteristics and requirements of the sweet pea:

• full sun
• relatively undemanding
• moderately vigorous growth
• ideal as a cut flower

Blue Morning Glory (Ipomoea)

With its bright blue flowers and rapid growth, the blue morning glory is also an excellent choice for sunny gardens and is ideal for covering trellises, climbing frames and gazebos. The plant prefers a sunny, sheltered position and well-drained soil. It can grow up to 5 metres (approx. 16.4 ft.) tall, creating an impressive vertical display. The ideal time to plant is in spring, once the risk of frost has passed. During the growing season, it requires regular watering but should be protected from waterlogging.

Characteristics and requirements of the Blue Morning Glory:

• full sun
• light, well-drained, nutrient-rich soil
• fast-growing and climbing
• water regularly, but avoid waterlogging
• requires a sturdy support
• prune back after the season to encourage growth

Dipladenia (Mandevilla)

The Dipladenia is a tropical beauty with trumpet-shaped flowers that thrives particularly well in sunny to partially shaded locations. It loves warm, sheltered spots, ideally on patios, balconies or against a south-facing wall that provides plenty of sun: it grows particularly vigorously when it receives several hours of direct sunlight every day. In colder months, it should be protected from frost, which is why it is advisable to prune it back in autumn and eventually overwinter it in a bright, frost-free spot.

Characteristics and requirements of the Dipladenia:

• sunny to partially shaded position
• thrives in warmth and light, ideal for well-sheltered spots
• Flowering season: spring to autumn, particularly profuse in summer
• sensitive to frost, prune in autumn

Common ivy (Hedera helix)

Many climbing plants do not like direct sunlight, but thrive best in the shade. Common ivy is one of the most undemanding, evergreen climbing plants. With its heart-shaped leaves and marbled pattern, it is a pretty and timeless eye-catcher. Ivy does not grow too quickly, but it is persistent. Over time, this undemanding climber can reach impressive heights of up to 20 metres (approx. 65.6 ft.). This makes ivy ideal for greening a garden gazebo, provided it is situated in the shade. Ivy also works well as a climbing balcony plant – for example, on a balcony facing east.

Characteristics and requirements of the ivy:

• a shady spot is ideal
• very easy to care for
• moderate watering
• very long lifespan

Knotweed (Persicaria)

Knotweed – or, more specifically, climbing Knotweed – is a very undemanding flowering climber that is also ideally suited to shady locations. This delicate plant flowers between July and September. With a total height of up to 15 metres (approx. 49.2 ft.) and a width of around 6 metres (approx. 19.7 ft.), knotweed is ideal for greening shady balcony railings and gazebos.

Characteristics and requirements of Knotweed:

• shaded or partially shaded location
• very easy to care for
• very fast-growing
• low water requirements

Wild grapevine (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

Wild grapevine does not necessarily need full sunlight to thrive and climb. Although the red colouring of the leaves is more vibrant in sunny spots, the vine is still an eye-catcher even in the shade. One of its major advantages is that wild grapevine grows very quickly and does not require any climbing supports. It also clings easily to smooth surfaces and walls.

Characteristics and requirements of wild grapevine:

• shaded or partially shaded location
• fairly low-maintenance
• very fast-growing
• requires plenty of water

Climbing spindle (Euonymus fortunei)

The climbing spindle is an ideal climbing plant for shady to semi-shady locations. It grows slowly but is particularly hardy. With its glossy, often variegated leaves, it adds attractive interest even to less sunny areas of the garden. The plant prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil and requires little maintenance. Waterlogging should be avoided, so good drainage is important. A light pruning after the season promotes growth and helps to maintain its shape.

Characteristics and requirements of the climbing spindle:

• shaded to partially shaded location
• humus-rich, well-drained soil
• low maintenance
• light pruning after the season

Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris)

For semi-shaded to shaded locations, the climbing hydrangea is also a beautiful, low-maintenance option for adding greenery. Thanks to its clinging roots, it climbs walls, pergolas and tree trunks without needing any support at all. It produces its large, creamy-white flower panicles in early summer, from June to July, adding an elegant touch. The plant grows rather slowly at first, but over time develops into a dense, flowering climber. Once established, it is hardy and delights with its decorative foliage all year round.

Characteristics and requirements of the climbing hydrangea:

• prefers partial shade to full shade
• requires a steady supply of water
• grows slowly but develops into a lush plant
• the roots enable it to climb independently

Climbing plants for your gazebo – tips and tricks

A wrought-iron gazebo provides the ideal base for covering with flowering or evergreen climbing plants. This transforms it into a shady arbour and makes it a stunning focal point in the garden. As well as choosing the right plant for your location, you should ensure that the gazebo is fitted with sturdy trellises. Climbing plants such as wild vine grow quickly and need solid support to thrive. Make sure that the trellises are strong enough to support the plants securely.