Best vining plant for a pergola - Ask Extension
My husband and I just added a patio with a pergola over part of it and latticework on two sides of it. Now we would like to plant some perennial vine...
Knowledgebase
Best vining plant for a pergola #400188
Asked May 15, 2017, 9:52 PM EDT
My husband and I just added a patio with a pergola over part of it and latticework on two sides of it. Now we would like to plant some perennial vines so they can grow over the top of the pergola to provide some shade. One side of the lattice is facing east, the other is facing south. We would like some advice as to what type of vine or combination of vines would work best. We are thinking about grape vines, clematis, wisteria and climbing roses. We are willing to provide pictures or have a master gardener stop over to get a better idea of what we would like to do. Thank you for your consideration. MaryJo Fisher
Carver County Minnesota
Expert Response
Grape vines are an excellent choice if you want a vine that will climb up and over the top of the pergola to create a shady, sheltered space. Other vines that will serve this purpose include American bittersweet, Dutchman's pipe, trumpet vine and wisteria. All of these need a very sturdy support.
Many clematis are strong climbers, but most die back in winter and are not vigorous enough to cover the top. They would be suitable to cover the lattice.
Most Minnesota hardy climbing roses are really just roses that produce very long canes that need to be trained to achieve the "climbing" effect. Although they would look lovely growing on the sides, they will not naturally grow to cover the top of the pergola.
Learn more here:
https://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/vines-growing-a-living-screen/
http://extension.illinois.edu/vines/perennials.cfm
Many clematis are strong climbers, but most die back in winter and are not vigorous enough to cover the top. They would be suitable to cover the lattice.
Most Minnesota hardy climbing roses are really just roses that produce very long canes that need to be trained to achieve the "climbing" effect. Although they would look lovely growing on the sides, they will not naturally grow to cover the top of the pergola.
Learn more here:
https://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/vines-growing-a-living-screen/
http://extension.illinois.edu/vines/perennials.cfm
