Climbing plants

Perennial climbers are characterized by a durable structure that grows year after year, creating an effective garden decoration. Many of them are also relatively easy to grow and winter well in our climate.

Here are some popular and noteworthy perennial climbing plants for gardens in Poland:

Clematis: This is one of the richest groups of climbers, offering countless varieties that differ in color, size and shape of flowers, as well as flowering time. Many clematis are fully frost-resistant in Poland. They are divided into cutting groups, which is important for proper flowering in subsequent years. Popular species include large-flowered clematis (Clematis × jackmanii), botanical clematis (e.g. Clematis montana, Clematis alpina) and perennial clematis (e.g. Clematis integrifolia).
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus): Strongly growing vines with decorative leaves that turn intense red in autumn. Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus tricuspidata ‘Veitchii’) and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) are very frost-resistant and undemanding, and are excellent for covering walls and fences.

Common ivy (Hedera helix): Evergreen creeper with leathery leaves that stay green all year round. It is very hardy and grows well in shade and partial shade. There are various varieties with interesting leaf shapes and colours. It is worth remembering that it can be expansive.

Honeysuckle (Lonicera): Many species of honeysuckle are attractive, flowering vines with often fragrant flowers. Pomeranian honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) and Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) are popular species with beautiful flowers and decorative fruit. Some species can be partially evergreen.

Actinidia: As we mentioned with exotic plants, Actinidia arguta is more frost-resistant and can be grown in Poland as a fruit climber (mini kiwi). It requires supports and a sunny, sheltered location.

Campsis radicans: This is a spectacular climber with large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange and red, blooming in summer. In Poland, it can freeze in harsher winters, especially young plants, so it is worth choosing more frost-resistant varieties and planting them in sheltered locations. Fallopia aubertii: This is a very fast-growing vine, ideal for quickly covering large areas. It blooms abundantly with white inflorescences in late summer. It is undemanding and frost-resistant.

When choosing perennial climbing plants for your garden in Poland, it is worth considering:

Frost resistance: Make sure that the selected species and variety are fully resistant to Polish winters.
Growth strength: Some climbers grow very intensively and may require regular pruning to control their growth.
Soil and site requirements: Each climber has its own preferences regarding soil type, humidity and sunlight.
Climbing method: Some climbers need supports (e.g. clematis, honeysuckles, actinidia), others attach to the surface using suckers or clinging roots (e.g. Virginia creeper, ivy).
Decorative values: Pay attention to the color and shape of leaves, flowers, fruit, and autumn discolorations.

A well-chosen and cared for perennial climbing plant can become an effective and durable decoration of your garden, adding charm and greenery for many years.

The selection of evergreen vines that do well in the Polish climate is somewhat more limited than in the case of deciduous vines, but there are a few noteworthy species and varieties:

Common ivy (Hedera helix): This is the most popular evergreen vine in Poland. It is very frost-resistant and undemanding in terms of soil, although it grows best in fertile and moist soil. It does well in shade and partial shade. There are many varieties of ivy with a variety of leaf shapes and colors (e.g. ‘Variegata’ with cream edges, ‘Woerner’ with larger leaves). Ivy climbs using adventitious roots and can cover walls, fences, and even tree trunks. However, it should be remembered that it can be expansive and difficult to remove over time.
Japanese ground cover (Pachysandra terminalis): Although technically an evergreen ground cover, in certain conditions it can be trained as a low climber, especially on not too high walls or rockeries. It forms dense, green carpets and grows well in shade and partial shade.
… Euonymus fortunei: Many varieties of Euonymus fortunei are evergreen creeping shrubs that can be trained as low climbers on supports. They offer a variety of leaf colors (green, variegated, with white or yellow edges) and are relatively frost-resistant.

When choosing evergreen climbing plants for your garden in Poland, it is worth considering:

Frost resistance: Make sure that the species and variety you choose are fully resistant to Polish winters, especially in your region (e.g. Krakow, where winters can be cold).
Growth strength: Some evergreen climbers can grow quite vigorously and require regular pruning.
Soil and site requirements: Each climber has its own preferences for soil type, moisture and sunlight. Most evergreen climbers prefer shady or semi-shady locations.
Climbing method: Ivy and Fortune’s spindle cling to surfaces, while others (like periwinkle) may need support if you want to grow them vertically.

Decorative value: Look for leaf color and shape, which will be a year-round addition to your garden. Some evergreen climbers also have decorative flowers or fruit.

Evergreen climbers are a great way to add permanent greenery and structure to your garden, creating an attractive appearance at any time of year.