3 climbing plants for your garden

Climbing plants lend a whimsical look to your property. They’re also ideal for hiding fences and creating privacy in your yard. Here are three beautiful vines that will undoubtedly look great in your garden.

1. Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris)
Once this vine reaches maturity, which may take up to five years, depending on the climate, it produces delicate white flowers. Its dark green leaves turn yellow in the fall, and the bark turns red in the winter.

Climbing hydrangea can grow in shady areas, but will flower more in the sun.

2. Hops (Humulus lupulus)
Though ideal for covering a pergola or trellis, beer lovers will likely appreciate growing their own hops for entirely different reasons.

If you’re planning on harvesting the cones to make your own home brew, make sure you choose a female plant.

Also, know that hops is part of the Cannabaceae family, meaning that this plant may give off an aroma similar to marijuana, its close cousin.

3. Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata)
This beautiful vine looks great all year round, but will really turn heads in the fall. That’s when its green leaves become a brilliant red. Despite its name, Boston ivy is actually native to Asia.

People growing indigenous plant gardens will want to opt for Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) instead. It’s native to most parts of North America and just as lovely as Boston ivy.

While vines can make a lovely addition to your landscaping, it’s best to avoid letting creepers grow up your home’s walls. They can cause damage to the structure and be difficult to remove. Consider placing a trellis in front of a wall instead.