A fast-growing climber can serve many practical and decorative purposes in the garden, depending on the location and the gardener’s preferences. She can climb wire and wooden fences and in this way create a unique, lively and impenetrable protection against privacy, wind and noise. Climbing plants can climb over pergolas, arbours, trellises and terraces and provide natural shade on hot summer days. Many creepers are even able to climb walls and thus beautify the facade without damaging the plaster.
When hobby gardeners think of a fast-growing climbing plant, ivy is usually one of the first plants that comes to mind. However, there are still so many species that not only offer similar aesthetics and function, but can even outgrow ivy. In today’s post we have prepared some of the most beautiful, easy-care and fast-growing tendril plants for your outdoor areas. Here we only present plant species and varieties that are hardy, perennial and versatile, as they are of the greatest importance in garden design in our regions.
Climbing plants give every garden that certain something
Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda)
The Japanese wisteria is one of the most popular and fastest growing climbing species from the Wisteria genus. Depending on maturity and conditions, this plant can easily spread 3 meters per year until it reaches a maximum size of around 30 meters!
This wisteria is particularly popular for its cascading and pleasantly aromatic blooms, which first appear in April and last through June. Depending on the variety, they can be white, blue, purple, pink, red or multicolored. With an average length of around 60 cm, its flower heads are the most lush and long-lasting of the entire genus. However, this also has a relatively unpleasant downside. The Japanese Wisteria flowers only after it is fully mature, which can take anywhere from 3 to 5 years.
During this time, young plants still delight the senses with glossy dark green, feathery foliage leaves that turn to a rich coppery brown in fall before falling. After that, the wisteria goes into a dormant phase and easily tolerates temperatures down to -20 degrees in the winter months.
Japanese wisteria can live for more than 100 years
This will make your outdoor space feel extra romantic
Italian Clematis (Clematis viticella)
The entire Clematis genus includes some of the most popular and well-known climbing plants in Europe. There are hundreds of different species, varieties and hybrids and some are even native to Germany. However, some decorative, large-flowered species are not optimally suited to our climate because they are too susceptible to cold, wind or disease.
This is where the Italian clematis comes into play. It is a wild species and as such forms smaller flowers, but is also much more robust, adaptable and easy to care for. Winter frosts up to -25 degrees, as well as numerous diseases do not bother her. The Italian clematis grows about 100 cm annually until it reaches a maximum size of about 4 meters.
Depending on the variety, the lush spectacle of flowers lasts from June to October. Despite being a wild species, there are several cultivars, all with unique flower shapes and colors. Luckily, since they belong to the same species, they have very similar care requirements. The choice must therefore be dictated solely by appearance.
The Italian clematis can also occasionally be seen in the wild
There are numerous varieties for every color preference
A dark purple clematis makes the garden appear particularly mysterious
Hardy passion flower (Passiflora incarnata)
Passionflowers, in general, all grow very quickly, but can hardly be described as hardy. In our regions, most varieties die with the first frost. They are therefore mainly kept in large pots, which can easily be brought indoors in bad weather. Those who want to grow them in the flower bed will need new seeds every year. Not only is this a nuisance, but it also limits the potential of this amazing vine plant.
Luckily, there is a convenient alternative that will allow you to admire the unique blooms of the passion flower year after year. The benefits of the hardy passion flower are already contained in the name. This climbing plant easily tolerates temperatures down to -15 degrees. A layer of mulch can further reduce the risk of frost damage.
All the hardy passionflower needs to thrive is sandy, well-drained, fertile soil and a sunny spot in the garden. If her conditions are met, she can easily and quickly reach her full height of 6 meters and bloom profusely from July to September.
You don’t have to do without the wonderful passion flower just because it’s getting colder here
The flowers of this climbing plant are indescribably beautiful
Finger-leaved Akebia (Akebia quinata)
Finger-leaved Akebie is actually much better known in the gardening community as chocolate vine. The reason for this quickly becomes apparent when standing close to one of these plants in bloom. The grape-like, wine- or pink-red flower heads exude a sweet aroma reminiscent of chocolate-vanilla-milk. This fast-growing climbing plant is particularly suitable for climbing arches, as it creates a real scent tunnel in the garden.
The flowering period extends from April to May, after which the lush green foliage can be enjoyed. However, the young leaves are not necessarily just decorative, because they can also be dried and made into tea. Under ideal conditions, you can also expect fruit from the chocolate wine. These are considered a delicacy, especially in Japan and China.
Akebie grows almost 150 cm each year until she reaches an impressive height of around 10 metres. The location should ideally be sunny, the soil nutrient-rich and loamy. The roots should only be covered with mulch and leaves when the temperature is below -10 degrees.
If you want to keep a diet, you should rather do without this appetizingly fragrant ornamental plant
The five leaves of the Akebie are reminiscent of hands, hence the name
Self-climbing vine (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
The spiny vine genus and in particular the self-climbing spiny vine is an extremely fast-growing climber. It grows by 2 meters every year and can therefore reach its maximum height of around 30 meters in a very short time! Because of this, it is mainly used for facade greening.
From the beginning of June to the end of July, the maidenhaired vine forms small, green-white flowers, which become dark black berries after pollination. So if you want to attract pollinating insects as well as birds in the garden then this vine is ideal for you.
However, the self-climbing vine is not only loved for its rapid growth. Their most striking feature is actually only noticeable in autumn. Then all of her hitherto dark green leaves turn to a rich and royal crimson. Houses covered with this tendril in particular then become a truly magical sight.
The virgin vine is a real eye-catcher, especially in autumn
The fast growth of this climbing plant can even become a problem
Every hobby gardener wants a fast-growing climbing plant, because this way the garden hospitality ideas of their dreams can be realized in no time at all. What are your favourites?
