In a thoughtfully designed outdoor space, few features strike the perfect balance between elegance and function quite like trellises and pergolas. These vertical structures add architectural beauty, define space, and provide shade and privacy—but what truly brings them to life are the climbing plants that soften their lines and create a lush, layered look.

At Outdoor Makeover, we integrate climbing plants not just as decoration, but as a living design element. When selected and placed with purpose, these plants enhance every part of your outdoor experience—cooling the space, adding fragrance, and changing with the seasons.

Whether you’re looking for romantic blooms, fast-growing greenery, or a low-maintenance statement piece, here are the best climbing plants for Atlanta’s climate—and the trellises and pergolas that support them.

1. Confederate Jasmine

(Trachelospermum jasminoides)

A Southern favorite and a staple in many of our luxury projects, Confederate jasmine offers lush evergreen foliage and intensely fragrant white blooms in late spring and early summer.

Why we love it:

Fast-growing and evergreen
Works beautifully on trellises, fences, or pergola posts
Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established
Fills the air with a sweet, intoxicating scent

This plant is perfect for creating privacy, softening hard edges, or adding romance to dining areas and entryways.

2. Climbing Roses

If you’re looking to bring old-world elegance or a touch of drama to your landscape, climbing roses are a timeless choice. Available in a range of colors and bloom patterns, they make a stunning statement on arbors, pergolas, or tall trellises.

Best varieties for Atlanta:

‘New Dawn’ – pale pink, repeat-blooming, disease-resistant
‘Don Juan’ – deep red, fragrant, vigorous grower
‘Eden’ – creamy blush with full, classic blooms

Design tip: Pair roses with sleek pergola structures for a striking contrast between traditional beauty and modern architecture.

3. Wisteria

(Wisteria frutescens – American Wisteria)

Known for its dramatic, cascading flowers and vigorous growth, Wisteria can quickly turn a pergola into a garden showstopper. While Chinese and Japanese varieties are popular, we recommend native American wisteria for its more controlled growth and environmental compatibility.

Features:

Bloom clusters in lavender or purple
Fast-growing but trainable
Ideal for sturdy pergolas with full sun exposure

Note: This plant requires pruning and guidance to maintain structure—but when managed well, it creates one of the most breathtaking spring displays.

4. Clematis

(Clematis spp.)

Clematis is often called the “queen of vines,” and for good reason. With its wide variety of colors, flower shapes, and bloom times, it brings refined color to smaller trellises or can be layered with other vines for a lush look.

Highlights:

Moderate growth—ideal for smaller structures or layered designs
Bloom time varies by variety (some spring, others summer/fall)
Pairs well with climbing roses or jasmine for continuous interest

Best planted in a spot where roots stay cool (we’ll add ground cover or mulch) and vines get plenty of sunlight.

5. Carolina Jessamine

(Gelsemium sempervirens)

This native vine is a beautiful and low-maintenance option for clients who want seasonal color and evergreen coverage. It produces vibrant yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers in early spring and thrives in the Southeast.

Why it works well:

Quick coverage for fences, trellises, or pergolas
Early blooming adds color before most other plants wake up
Tolerates sun and partial shade
Deer- and drought-resistant

Its light fragrance and rich green foliage make it a perfect fit for transitional zones between living and garden areas.

6. Passionflower

(Passiflora incarnata – Native)

Want something unique and conversation-worthy? Passionflower delivers with its intricate, exotic-looking blooms and fast-growing habit. Plus, it’s native to Georgia and attracts pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.

Ideal uses:

Softening tall privacy screens
Creating tropical-inspired retreats
Pairing with modern metal trellises for contrast

Bonus: Some passionflower varieties even produce edible fruit (maypops) in late summer.

7. Trumpet Vine

(Campsis radicans)

For clients who want bold color and wildlife interest, trumpet vine is a top choice. It produces large, trumpet-shaped red or orange flowers and thrives in Atlanta’s heat and humidity.

Benefits:

Attracts hummingbirds and pollinators
Great for large-scale pergolas or fencing
Tolerates poor soil and drought

This vine grows aggressively, so we often install it in areas where bold impact is desired and root boundaries can be maintained.

8. Climbing Hydrangea

(Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris)

A more restrained but elegant option, climbing hydrangea is ideal for shaded or semi-shaded structures. It produces large white lace-cap blooms in early summer and clings to walls, trellises, or arbors with aerial rootlets.

Perfect for:

Pergolas near north- or east-facing walls
Historic or traditional-style homes
Softer, more textural landscape palettes

It’s slower to establish but well worth the wait for its graceful growth and year-round appeal.

Tips for Success: Choosing and Supporting Climbing Plants

Match plant to structure.
Heavier vines like wisteria need sturdy pergolas with reinforced beams. Lighter vines like clematis are perfect for delicate trellises or metal screens.
Consider sunlight and exposure.
Most flowering climbers thrive in full sun, but options like climbing hydrangea and jessamine do well in partial shade.
Layer for visual depth.
In high-end landscapes, we often layer vines with complementary perennials or shrubs below—adding interest at every level.
Plan for maintenance.
Climbing plants can grow quickly. We provide guidance and care plans to help you manage growth without losing the elegance of the original design.
Pair with lighting.
Vines draped over structures become even more stunning with integrated lighting—like uplights or pendant fixtures that highlight their form at night.

Enhance Structure with Living Beauty

The right climbing plant can transform a trellis or pergola from a structural necessity into a defining feature. It softens, shades, and elevates—creating a living, breathing element that changes through the seasons while anchoring the space with natural elegance.

At Outdoor Makeover, we don’t just install trellises or pergolas—we design them as part of a larger vision. Whether your goal is privacy, shade, drama, or softness, we’ll help you select the ideal climbing plants and structures to bring it to life.

Let’s Grow Something Beautiful Together

Ready to add structure, softness, and seasonal color to your outdoor space? Our design team is here to help you choose and install the perfect climbing plants and pergola or trellis that elevates your landscape.

📞 Call us at 404-301-8340 or contact us online to schedule your personalized consultation.

Together, we’ll create an outdoor environment that’s not just built—but grown—with intention and artistry.

The Best Climbing Plants for Trellises and Pergolas