11 Plants You Should Always Trellis—and Why, According to Experts

Tomatoes growing on a plant supported by bamboo stakes — Credit:
sirichai_asawalapsakul / Getty images

Growing plants on trellises, pergolas, fences, and other vertical structures adds a whimsical beauty to gardens. But this practice has practical benefits that go beyond aesthetic appeal. Trellising plants keeps them lifted off the ground, reducing pest infestations and improving airflow to reduce the risk of powdery mildew. Plus, many vining plants are fast-growing, and trellising them on a support can control their growth and prevent them from taking over the garden. With these benefits in mind, we're sharing the flowers and vegetables experts say you should always grow on a trellis.

Damon Abdi, assistant professor of landscape horticulture at Louisiana State University
Ankit K. Singh, assistant professor of sustainable agriculture at the University of Maine

01 of 11

Climbing Hydrangeas

Climbing Hydrangea in garden — Elizabeth Fernandez / Getty Images

The graceful trailing stems and showy flowers of climbing hydrangeas (Hydrangea anomala) look beautiful growing on pergolas and fences. "If not grown with a trellis, this plant may grow into a mounding shrub (roughly 3 to 4 feet tall) and spread similarly to a ground cover," says Damon Abdi, assistant professor of landscape horticulture at Louisiana State University. "Trellising can allow the spreading form to be forced into desired directions, providing a unique look to the landscape."

Zones: 4 to 8
Size: 30 to 50 feet tall x 5 to 6 feet wide
Care requirements: Partial shade to full sun; well-drained soil

02 of 11

Morning Glories

blue morning glory flowers — Getty Images

Morning glories (Ipomoea) spread vigorously. Trellising these charming flowers directs growth in the right direction and keeps it from taking over your garden. "If left unchecked, morning glories may try to twine around other plants in the garden and cause issues," Aldi says. "By trellising, it is easier to avoid undesired growth habits and potential choking of other plants, and this allows the bright flowers to be better showcased."

Zones: 2 to 11
Size: 10 to 15 feet tall x 2 to 4 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil

03 of 11

Pole Beans

Pole beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are an incredible, drought-tolerant addition to vegetable gardens, but make sure you trellis them. "Pole beans are natural climbers," says Ankit K. Singh, assistant professor of sustainable agriculture at the University of Maine. "Trellising improves yield, reduces fungal disease, and makes harvesting much easier."

Zones: 3 to 10
Size: 6 to 9 feet tall x 18 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun; fertile, moderately moist, well-drained soil

04 of 11

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.) is a popular climbing plant with showy flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, and purple. The blooms look beautiful on fences, trellises, pergolas, and other structures. "If provided with the right support, this plant can reach new heights (up to 40 feet)," says Abdi. He recommends growing it in containers to keep it better contained.

Zones: 9 to 11
Size: 15 to 40 feet tall x 15 to 40 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained, acidic soil

05 of 11

Cucumbers

Vining cucumber varieties (Cucumis sativus) can take over the garden. According to Singh, trellising keeps the fruit clean, straight, and easier to harvest. Plus, it improves airflow, which helps reduce powdery mildew and other fungal diseases.

Zones: 3 to 11
Size: 5 to 8 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; rich, moist, well-drained soil

06 of 11

Indeterminate Tomatoes

determinate tomato plant in a container — Paulo Sousa / Getty Images

Indeterminate tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season until the first frost, so they can grow quite big. "Trellising keeps fruit off the ground, prevents rot, and allows better air flow, which reduces disease pressure like blight," says Singh.

Zones: 4 to 11
Size: 5 to 10 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; rich, moist, well-drained soil

07 of 11

Trumpet Vine

Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) should be trellised so it doesn't take over your garden with its aggressive spreading habit. "Growing trumpet vine on a trellis will allow the showy red-orange flowers to flourish, as more sun improves flowering," says Abdi. He adds that some varieties don't spread as quickly, making them easier to maintain.

Zones: 4 to 10
Size: 30 to 40 feet tall x 4 to 10 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; tolerates a wide range of soils as long as they're well-drained

08 of 11

Peas

Peas (Pisum sativum), specifically sugar snap and snow peas, will perform better if they're grown on a trellis, fence, or other vertical structure. "The delicate vines benefit from vertical support, reducing disease and making pods easy to pick," says Singh.

Zones: 3 to 11
Size: 3 to 6 feet tall x 1 foot wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; rich, moist, well-drained soil

09 of 11

Malabar Spinach

Malabar spinach (Basella alba) is a vining, heat-tolerant leafy green that will thrive in your garden when it's allowed to climb. According to Singh, trellising this plant keeps the leaves tender and clean.

Zones: 7 to 11
Size: 6 to 10 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; rich, moist, well-drained soil

10 of 11

Climbing Roses

Climbing roses (Rosa setigera) look dreamy growing along fences, trellises, and pergolas, covering up these vertical structures with their beautiful blooms. "Trellising climbing roses provides structure, promotes airflow, and displays flowers beautifully while preventing cane breakage," says Singh.

Zones: 5 to 9
Size: 6 to 12 feet tall x 3 to 6 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; moist, fertile, well-drained soil

11 of 11

Melons

Fresh melon growing vertically on a vine using a metal cattle panel trellis in a home organic urban garden — Getty Images

Melons (Cucumis melo L.) perform best when they're trellised. "Trellising keeps heavy vines off the ground, prevents rot, and allows even ripening," says Singh. He recommends using slings to support the heavy fruits and keep them from breaking off the vines.

Zones: 4 to 10
Size: 6 to 10 feet long x 1 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; rich, well-drained soil

11 Plants You Should Always Trellis—and Why, According to Gardening Experts