Key points at a glance:
- A garden gazebo is ideal as a decorative support for a wide variety of climbing plants, although the choice of plants should be tailored to their climbing characteristics and the specific design of the gazebo.
- Climbing roses and clematis are particularly popular choices for models such as the ELEO Milano Gazebo, which can be used in both a powder-coated and uncoated finish to create a natural plant display.
- When planting, care should be taken to ensure proper maintenance, correct tying and the selection of bee-friendly plants that are safe for children, in order to guarantee long-term enjoyment of the garden.
Growing plants on a gazebo:
Tips for climbing plants
Even in ancient Rome, where the art of gardening has always been widespread, it was customary to cover fruit trees with ivy and vines. A garden arbour also makes an excellent structure for climbing plants to grow on. In principle, all climbing plants are suitable for covering garden arches and garden gazebos, provided the soil and light conditions are right. However, when climbing metal structures, some require initial climbing aids or even ongoing support from the gardener. Find out here which plants are suitable for climbing and what you need to bear in mind.
Growing plants on a gazebo: creepers, climbers and twining plants
Climbing plants are those that cling to surfaces using tendrils. They climb up the metal gazebo with ease; they just need to be guided in the right direction at the start. When the outstretched tendrils touch the iron, they wrap themselves around it; some even become quite entangled. Clematis and grapevines are among the most popular climbing plants for garden arches, trellises and gazebos.
Climbers
Climbers are plants that have their own climbing structures. The popular wild vine, for example, is one of the so-called self-climbers: it uses suction cups to cling to rough surfaces such as wood, brickwork or plaster and climbs up them unaided. Climbing hydrangeas and ivy, which belong to the same type of climber, use special adhesive roots for this purpose. They still need support on a pergola, however, as steel and iron do not provide them with sufficient grip, even when uncoated.
The same applies to spreading climbers, which develop thorns, spines or hooks. They use trellises such as wooden lattices, fences or the struts of metal pavilions to grow upwards. These include winter jasmine and climbing roses. However, as they cannot support their own weight, they must be tied up. They can, however, manage horizontal stretches – for example, across the roof of an arbour – without assistance, provided the distance between the support elements is not too great.
– beautiful and demanding, with a beguiling fragrance and prickly thorns. In the same way, a rose gazebo is the crowning glory of any garden design and a testament to the gardener’s great skill.
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Twining plants
Twining plants are simply ideal for the trellis gazebo: unlike clinging plants, they do not have any climbing organs. However, the shoots twine around the gazebos vertical supports – like a noose – and in this way work their way upwards. This type of climber has the advantage that the framework is covered with foliage in a particularly even manner.
Twining plants are at risk of slipping down the metal support once they become heavier. However, it is sufficient to secure them to a crossbar from time to time to prevent them from sliding down.
Among the twining plants are several species of honeysuckle and the magnificent wisteria, which can withstand even the harshest winters.
If you’d like to bring a touch of Mediterranean flair to your garden, you should try growing the trumpet vine. Its trumpet-shaped flowers, which give the plant its name, are a feast for the eyes. The trumpet vine produces yellow, orange or red flowers.
Annual climbing plants can reach an impressive size on a trellis within just a few months. Black-eyed Susan prefers a sunny spot on the patio, as well as regular feeding and watering. In return, it blooms profusely right into autumn. Those who prefer something a little less demanding can opt for sweet peas. They also attract bees and butterflies.
Be careful with these plants
| Plant species | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Vigorous plants | Fast-growing varieties such as the maiden vine tend to take over quickly |
| Wisteria | Despite its enchanting beauty, it is highly poisonous and is therefore not recommended, at least for a child-friendly garden. |
| Adhesive clips | If you choose traditional pergola plants such as vines or ivy, you should be sure of your decision – because they cling so tightly to the metal framework that they are very difficult to remove. |
| Vetch and Grapevine | The nectar-rich flowers of the vetch and the aromatic grapes attract bees and wasps. Anyone who likes to enjoy a leisurely meal under their gazebo or simply wants to savour the tranquillity of nature would be better off choosing other plants. |
Tips on caring for climbing plants
Climbing plants and rambling plants for sunny and shady spots
Climbing plants are true masters of climbing and go about it with great skill. We’ll explain which climbing plants are suitable for sunny spots and which prefer the shade.
Growing plants on a gazebo: Here’s how
What should you bear in mind when choosing climbing plants?
- Make sure that the length of the plants’ shoots is suitable for the size of the gazebo
- Check whether the plants require a sunny or shady spot.
- Bear in mind the flowering season of the plants (plants such as ivy are evergreen).
- Combine climbing plants according to suitable species and colours.
Annuals and fast-growing plants are particularly suitable for beginners. Although they need to be replanted every year, this means you don’t have to worry about time-consuming pruning and can focus on gaining some initial experience. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can move on to hardier, slower-growing plants.
How do I grow plants on my gazebo correctly?
- Secure any necessary trellises into the ground.
- Secure any necessary stakes into the ground for the branches to lean against.
- Water the new shoots regularly, especially after planting. Depending on their care requirements, the roots of climbing plants will have established themselves deeply after one to three years, after which most will survive a normal summer on their own.
You can find more information about hardy climbing plants in our blog post.
Trellises and accessories
What regular maintenance does a climbing gazebo require?
- To prevent the gazebo from becoming overgrown, regular pruning is necessary. The timing and method of pruning vary from plant to plant. It is best to find out about this before buying the plant and to make sure you have the necessary tools.
- To ensure your plant survives the winter well, it is advisable to pile up a layer of leaves at least 10 centimetres thick around the planting site in autumn.
Which climbing plants are particularly well suited for growing on a gazebo?
Robust climbing plants such as clematis, climbing roses, wild vine, honeysuckle or wisteria are particularly suitable for planting on a gazebo. Twining and climbing plants wrap themselves around metal supports particularly reliably and cover the structure evenly. Make sure that the plant is suited to the size of the gazebo and receives sufficient light. This will create a harmonious green gazebo in no time.
Growing plants on your gazebo: Last but not least
It will take some time before the climbing plants have reached the top of your gazebo. Garden lovers should therefore be aware that a fully covered gazebo cannot be admired overnight. You will need a little patience and a bit of a green thumb to make it work. Little by little, your gazebo will be adorned with impressive plants. Your own little garden oasis – the wind makes the leaves dance and creates a stunning play of shadows.
