15 Climbing Plants to Cover Your Fences, Arbors, and Pergolas

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If you have a bare fence, an empty arbor, or a pergola that feels a little too exposed, climbing plants can completely change the look and feel of your space. Instead of hard lines and plain wood, you get layers of greenery, flowers, and even fragrance woven right into your garden.

Some vines grow fast and fill in quickly, while others take their time but reward you with structure and long-lasting beauty. Whether you’re after shade, privacy, or just something pretty to look at, these climbing plants are some of the most reliable choices to get the job done.

Clematis (Clematis spp.)

Clematis is a favorite for adding vertical color without overwhelming a space. Its large, showy blooms come in a range of shades, often in rich purples and pinks. It climbs neatly along trellises and arbors, making it easy to pair with other plants.

Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens)

Wisteria is one of those plants that instantly makes a space feel established. Its long, cascading clusters of lilac-blue flowers hang beautifully from pergolas and arbors, creating a soft, romantic look.

It’s vigorous and needs strong support, but once it settles in, it becomes a standout feature that’s hard to miss.

Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

If you want something bold and fast-growing, trumpet vine will cover a fence in no time. Its bright orange, trumpet-shaped flowers bring a tropical feel and are especially loved by hummingbirds.

Just keep in mind, it spreads aggressively, so it’s best planted where it has room to roam.

Related: Houseplant Hacks That Actually Work, Even If You’ve “Killed Every Plant Before This”

Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)

Bougainvillea thrives in warm climates and full sun, producing vibrant bursts of pink, red, or purple that practically glow against fences and pergolas. It’s a great choice if you want a bold, colorful focal point, especially in hot, dry conditions.

Mandevilla

With its glossy leaves and bright, tropical-looking flowers, mandevilla adds a lush feel to patios and pergolas. It grows quickly in warm weather and blooms all summer long, especially when given plenty of sunlight.

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

If your goal is to cover a large wall or fence quickly, Virginia creeper is one of the easiest options. It’s adaptable, low-maintenance, and fills in fast.

In fall, the leaves turn deep red, giving you a second season of interest.

Related: 10 Striking Houseplants That Pop With Bright Neon Color

Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata)

This cheerful vine brings a steady stream of yellow-orange blooms with dark centers throughout the warmer months. It works especially well on smaller trellises, fences, or even container setups where you want a quick splash of color.

Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)

Honeysuckle is as practical as it is beautiful. It climbs easily and produces sweetly scented flowers that attract pollinators all summer long. It’s a great option for covering fences while also creating a more wildlife-friendly garden.

Climbing Roses (Rosa spp.)

Climbing roses bring a classic, timeless look to any structure. Whether trained along a fence or draped over an arbor, they add both structure and soft color. They do need sun and airflow, but the payoff during bloom season is worth it.

Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)

Sweet peas are a simple, old-fashioned favorite. Their delicate blooms and strong fragrance make them a great choice for trellises near seating areas. They prefer cooler weather, so they’re often one of the first climbers to shine in the season.

Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)

Moonflower is a little different; it opens in the evening, with large white blooms that glow softly at dusk. It’s a great addition to pergolas or garden corners where you spend time in the evening.

Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)

If fragrance is high on your list, star jasmine is hard to beat. Its small white flowers release a strong, sweet scent that can fill the entire garden. It grows well along fences and can also be shaped into a dense, leafy backdrop.

Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris)

Climbing hydrangea is a slower grower, but it’s one of the best choices for shaded areas. Over time, it forms a thick, textured layer of greenery with soft white blooms. It’s especially useful for covering walls or structures that don’t get much sun.

Climbing Azaleas

Climbing azaleas take a bit more effort since they need to be trained, but they reward you with vibrant spring blooms. They work well in partially shaded areas and bring a pop of seasonal color to fences and arbors.

Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea)

Morning glories are fast, easy, and reliable. Their bright blooms open in the morning and climb quickly using twisting vines.

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