Climbing plants are a fantastic way to add vertical interest, soften walls and fences, and bring colour and fragrance to your garden. Whether you’re looking for evergreen coverage, seasonal blooms, or something to attract pollinators, there’s a climber that will suit your garden beautifully. Here are some of the best climbing plants to grow in the United Kingdom, chosen for their reliability, beauty, and versatility.

1. Clematis

Clematis is one of the UK’s most popular climbers—and for good reason. With hundreds of varieties available, you can enjoy blooms from early spring to late autumn. Choose Clematis montana for a vigorous spring display or Clematis ‘Jackmanii’ for rich purple summer flowers.

• Best for: Flower impact and variety

• Growing tips: Plant deeply and keep roots cool with mulch or ground cover.

2. Roses (Climbing and Rambling)

Climbing roses bring a romantic charm to any garden. They’re perfect for trellises, arches, and pergolas. ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ and ‘New Dawn’ are reliable choices with beautiful scent and repeat flowering.

• Best for: Scent and cottage garden style

• Growing tips: Prune in late winter and tie in stems to guide growth.

3. Honeysuckle (Lonicera)

A classic British garden favourite, honeysuckle produces sweetly scented, tubular flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina’ offers deep crimson and cream blooms with a strong evening fragrance.

• Best for: Wildlife and scent

• Growing tips: Prefers sun or partial shade and well-drained soil.

4. Wisteria

For sheer drama and wow factor, wisteria is hard to beat. Its cascading purple or white blooms in late spring are a showstopper. Wisteria sinensis is the most common and can be trained over pergolas and walls.

• Best for: Impact and elegance

• Growing tips: Needs sturdy support and regular pruning to maintain shape and flowering.

5. Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)

Although not a true jasmine, this evergreen climber has glossy leaves and highly fragrant white flowers in summer. It’s ideal for sheltered spots and urban gardens.

• Best for: Evergreen coverage and fragrance

• Growing tips: Needs a sunny, sheltered position—great against south-facing walls.

6. Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris)

If you have a north- or east-facing wall, this is your go-to climber. It tolerates shade and clings to surfaces with aerial roots. Its white lacecap flowers bloom in early summer.

• Best for: Shade and tricky spots

• Growing tips: Slow to start but vigorous once established.

7. Ivy (Hedera helix)

Ivy is a tough evergreen climber perfect for year-round coverage. It’s excellent for wildlife and thrives in shade. Variegated varieties add a splash of colour.

• Best for: Evergreen cover and low maintenance

• Growing tips: Can be vigorous—keep it in check with regular pruning.

Final Thoughts

Climbing plants are an easy and effective way to elevate your garden—literally! Whether you’re covering an eyesore, framing a doorway, or simply adding more blooms, the right climber can make all the difference. With these hardy, reliable choices, your garden will be reaching new heights in no time.