Climbing plants are perfect for adding a vertical dimension to your garden, hiding fences, garden sheds and walls, as well as enhancing arches, structures and pergolas. Sometimes there isn't always the right planting conditions near the spaces we need climbers and that is where pots come into their own. Here are some of Tom's Yards favourite climbing plants to grow in pots, offering vibrant flowers, rich foliage, and easy care.
Clematis
Clematis is a popular choice for pot cultivation due to its vibrant blooms and variety of colors. Available in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white, clematis vines are perfect for brightening up any space. They are relatively easy to care for and thrive in well-draining soil with plenty of sun.
Terracotta pots are perfect for clematis as the plant prefers cooler roots and the beauty of a terracotta pot is that it does just that, keeps the roots cool. One thing to consider is that your pot is large enough for the deep roots and don't forget it needs a trellis for support. Be sure to soak your plant for about an hour before planting to give it the best start in its new terracotta home.
Our favourite clematis include 'Josephine' which offers such a beautiful unique double flowering bloom with a pompom centre and 'Armandii' an evergreen variety which produces the most delicious smelling flowers in March and April.
Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are an excellent choice for pots due to their fragrant flowers and charming appearance. They grow quickly and produce a lovely mix of colors, from soft pastels to vibrant reds and purples. Sweet peas are perfect for smaller pots and can be trained to grow along trellises or other vertical supports.
The pots can be small in diameter but need to be deep as sweet peas put down long, long roots. They also love sunny spots and will need regular watering. As a climbing plant, sweet peas need support and grow well over supports like obelisks.
You can buy sweet peas as young plants from lots of garden centres, nurseries and online as well as starting from seed in Autumn or Spring.
Climbing hydrangea
Known for it's shrub nature, you can also find hydrangea's in a climbing variety. It is an excellent climbing plant for pots, offering both lush foliage and striking white flowers in late spring and summer. This deciduous climber is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your garden. Climbing hydrangea is well-suited to pots as long as they have access to a sunny or partially shaded spot, as they can thrive in various light conditions.
Caring for Climbing Plants in Pots
Caring for climbing plants in pots requires a little attention to detail, but the results are definitely worth it. Here are some tips from the yard to help ensure your climbing plants thrive in your pots.
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Choosing the Right Pot: Ensure the pot you select is large enough to accommodate the plant's root system. A pot that is too small can restrict growth, while one that's too large can lead to waterlogging.
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Soil: Use a well-draining, high-quality peat-free compost that suits your plant's needs. For example, clematis prefers slightly alkaline soil, while sweet peas and climbing hydrangeas do well in slightly acidic to neutral soil. Consider adding perlite or sand to improve drainage if necessary.
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Watering: Climbing plants in pots may dry out faster than those in the ground, so regular watering is essential. However, make sure the soil doesn't become waterlogged. It's best to water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
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Feeding: During the growing season, feed your climbing plants with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 4-6 weeks to encourage strong growth and blooming. Some plants, like climbing hydrangea, may benefit from a general-purpose fertiliser to support both foliage and flowering.
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Pruning: Pruning helps to keep climbing plants tidy and encourages more vigorous growth. Regularly remove dead or damaged stems and encourage the plant to grow in the direction you prefer by training the vines along trellises or other supports.
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Support Structures: Since climbing plants need vertical support, invest in strong trellises, obelisks, or wires. Sweet peas, for instance, will need something like an obelisk or a wire mesh to help them grow upward. Clematis and climbing hydrangea may also need proper support to avoid tangling and ensure healthy growth.
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Winter Care: In colder months, protect your climbing plants from frost by moving the pots to a sheltered spot or wrapping them in horticultural fleece. Some plants, like climbing hydrangea, may need extra care during the winter to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
By choosing the right plants, pots, and support structures, and keeping up with regular care, your climbing plants will thrive and provide beautiful blooms and vibrant foliage to your garden all year round.
