How to Choose Seasonal Climbing Plants

Autumn and Winter

Several climbers, notably grapes (Vitis) and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus) color dramatically in autumn, clothing arches and pergolas with their vibrant oranges and reds.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - Arches & Pergolas © 2000 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Few climbing plants, apart from ivy and other evergreens, have much interest in winter. An exception is the winter-flowering, evergreen Clematis cirrhosa (var. balearica).

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - Arches & Pergolas © 2000 Dorling Kindersley Limited

More Climbers for Seasonal Interest:

Spring
Akebia quinata Vanilla-scented purple-brown flowers in late spring, followed by purple fruit.
Clematis armandii Evergreen climber with small, fragrant, white flowers.
Schisandra rubriflora Deciduous twining plant, small red flowers.

Summer
Berberidopsis corallina Red flowers. Evergreen.
Clematis ('Nelly Moser') Large pink-and-white striped flowers.
Lonicera Many, especially L. japonica ('Aureoreticulata') and L. periclymenum ('Graham Thomas').
Rosa Various plant options.
Wisteria Various plant options.

Autumn/Winter
Campsis x tagliabuana ('Madame Galen') Orange-red trumpet-shaped flowers.
Clematis tangutica Fluffy seedheads follow yellow lantern-shaped flowers.
Vitis vinifera ('Purpurea'), V. coignetiae Large, heart-shaped leaves