The Best Vines to Grow on Arches and Pergolas

When it comes to climbing roses, ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ is one of the most versatile. It’s a thornless, shade-tolerant rose that unfurls deep pink blooms. Thorn-free canes make this a great rose to place on arches or pergolas over walkways or patios. ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ opens intensely fragrant flowers from spring to fall frost. This antique rose was officially introduced in France in 1873. Plants grow to 12 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide. Hardy in Zones 5-9.

English roses unfurl blooms packed with petals, and ‘Crown Princess Margareta’ is no exception. Plants open flowers in shades of apricot orange, with buds appearing on plants all season long. English roses make great choices for growing on arches because they’re not too rambunctious and won’t topple an arch. At the same time, the canes bear flowers along stems from the soil up, creating a blossom-covered arch. Plants grow 9 to 11 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide. Hardy in Zones 5-9.

As the name suggests, this wisteria (Wisteria macrostachya ‘Betty Matthews’) bursts into flower in summer, typically June. This is a variety of a native vine known as Kentucky wisteria, which is not as aggressive as Chinese wisteria. Still, give this vine a strong support. It’s a perfect choice for a pergola over a patio. Plants grow 15 to 20 feet tall. Plant width is variable and really depends on the type of structure that supports the wisteria. Hardy in Zones 4-8.

Summer Cascade wisteria blossoms form on new stem growth each spring, which means that this wisteria blooms reliably in colder regions. Flowers open dark purple and fade to a pale lavender. When blooms die, they form a velvety seed pod that often stays on the vine into winter, adding another season of interest to this climbing beauty. Hardy in Zones 4-8.