16 Easy Fast-Growing Climbing Plants for Vertical Garden

When I first added a vertical garden near my front yard, I had one goal in mind is to turn my awkward corner beside the garden into a beautiful living wall. The building itself wasn’t unpleasant, but it looked stark against the boundary wall.

Plus, I had promised my neighbor I’d add greenery to soften the view from their side. Still, the question lingered: what fast-growing climbing plants could cover the wall quickly, thrive in Ireland’s mixed climate, and most importantly, look good year-round?

Ivy was my initial choice because it’s common here and is known for its rapid growth. But a few conversations later, I learned it might not be the best fit, too invasive, and not very neighbor-friendly.

Bamboo was a hard no (thankfully), and while Wisteria caught my eye, I realized its strength and messiness might cause more problems than charm.

The goal wasn’t just to hide a wall, it was to create something beautiful and beneficial to the surrounding place, especially since I’d already built a lovely trellis to help the climbers grow.

Eventually, I found the perfect solution: a mix of fast-growing climbing plants chosen for their beauty and respect for boundaries. Adding Clematis and Honeysuckle gave me vibrant seasonal color, while Jasmine added evergreen coverage.

16. English Ivy (Hedera helix) — The Classic Evergreen Climber

English Ivy is a vigorous evergreen vine known for its dense, dark green foliage and adaptability to shade.

Growth Tips:

• Prefers partial to full shade but tolerates sun with adequate moisture.
• Use sturdy trellises or walls for support; it clings using aerial rootlets.
• Regular pruning controls growth and encourages bushier coverage.

15. Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) — Fragrant and Fast-Spreading

Star Jasmine is prized for its fragrant white flowers and glossy leaves, ideal for sunny vertical spaces.

Growth Tips:

• Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
• Requires well-drained soil and moderate watering.
• Train with twine or supports; it twines naturally but needs guidance.

14. Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus) — Colorful Annual Bloomer

Sweet Pea offers vibrant blooms in an array of colors, perfect for temporary seasonal vertical gardens.

Growth Tips:

• Plant in full sun with rich, well-draining soil.
• Use a trellis for climbing support.
• Regular deadheading promotes prolonged blooming.

13. Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea) — Rapid Annual Climber

Morning Glory grows rapidly with heart-shaped leaves and vivid trumpet-shaped flowers.

Growth Tips:

• Prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.
• Seeds require soaking overnight before planting.
• Train vines regularly to prevent tangling.

12. Clematis (Clematis spp.) — Diverse Colors and Large Flowers

Clematis varieties are beloved for showy, large flowers and varied blooming seasons.

Growth Tips:

• Plant roots in shade and tops in sun for optimal growth.
• Provide strong trellis support; many are twining or need tying.
• Prune according to variety groups to encourage healthy flowering.

11. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans) — Vigorous and Eye-Catching

Trumpet Vine features trumpet-shaped orange to red flowers, attracting hummingbirds.

Growth Tips:

• Full sun exposure enhances flowering.
• Tolerates poor soils but prefers moist, well-drained conditions.
• Needs sturdy support due to heavy vines.

10. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra) — Tropical, Colorful Climber

Bougainvillea offers intense, vibrant bracts and thrives in warm climates.

Growth Tips:

• Requires full sun and well-draining soil.
• Avoid overwatering; drought-tolerant once established.
• Prune after flowering to maintain shape and vigor.

9. Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) — Sweet-Smelling and Hardy

Honeysuckle grows fast and fills vertical spaces with fragrant, tubular flowers.

Growth Tips:

• Full sun to partial shade is ideal.
• Water moderately; avoid waterlogged soils.
• Prune after blooming to maintain size.

8. Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris) — Shade-Loving with White Flowers

This vigorous climber adapts well to shaded vertical gardens with delicate lace-cap white flowers.

Growth Tips:

• Prefers partial to full shade with moist, rich soil.
• Uses aerial rootlets to cling, so no need for trellis.
• Slow starter but fast once established.

7. Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata) — Bright Blooms and Rapid Growth

Black-Eyed Susan Vine is a delightful choice for a vertical garden. It boasts cheerful orange or yellow flowers with distinctive black centers, adding a bright and lively touch.

Growth Tips:

• Grows best in full sun but tolerates light shade.
• Requires regular watering and fertile soil.
• Supports twining vines; needs guidance to climb.

6. Passionflower (Passiflora spp.) — Exotic Flowers and Fruit

Passionflower is a stunning addition to any vertical garden. It features intricate, exotic blooms that add vibrant color and visual interest.

Growth Tips:

• Full sun exposure is necessary for flowering and fruiting.
• Well-drained soil with regular watering.
• Provide a strong trellis as vines can become heavy.

5. Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla) — Large Leaves and Unique Flowers

Dutchman’s Pipe is a unique plant for vertical gardens, known for its large heart-shaped leaves that provide dense shade.

Growth Tips:

• Thrives in partial shade to full sun.
• Needs consistently moist soil.
• Uses twining stems for support.

4. Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) — Majestic Cascading Blooms

Wisteria is a stunning addition to any vertical garden, producing cascading clusters of purple or white flowers along its robust woody vines.

Growth Tips:

• Plant in full sun for best flowering.
• Requires deep, fertile soil and ample water.
• Pruning twice yearly is essential to control growth.

3. Climbing Rose (Rosa spp.) — Classic Beauty with Fragrance

Climbing Roses combine fast growth with romantic, fragrant flowers in your vertical garden.

Growth Tips:

• Full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.
• Regular watering and feeding with rose fertilizer.
• Train with ties on trellises and prune to shape.

2. Jasmine (Jasminum spp.) — Fragrant, Delicate Flowers

Jasmine offers sweetly scented blossoms and a vigorous climbing habit for your vertical garden.

Growth Tips:

• Prefers full sun to partial shade.
• Requires regular watering, especially during dry spells.
• Twining or needs to be tied to supports.

1. Kiwi Vine (Actinidia deliciosa) — Edible Fruit and Dense Coverage

Kiwi vine grows fast and produces edible fruit, ideal for edible vertical gardens.

Growth Tips:

• Needs full sun and well-drained, fertile soil.
• Male and female plants are needed for fruit production.
• A strong support structure is required due to heavy vines.

Conclusion

Employing these fast-growing climbing plants with the outlined cultivation practices guarantees lush, rapid vertical garden coverage, enhancing any outdoor or indoor green space with elegance and vitality.