Climbing plants for pergolas, arches and arbours — wisteria, clematis, honeysuckle, star jasmine and passion flower — chosen for overhead cover and scent in Irish and northern European gardens. Free tracked delivery across Ireland and 24 more EU countries.
What are the best plants for a pergola in Ireland?
For the classic curtain of hanging flowers, wisteria is the showpiece; for quicker cover, pair clematis with honeysuckle; for leaves all year, choose evergreen Clematis armandii or star jasmine. Wisteria and clematis are hardy in Irish gardens. A good approach is one strong climber per post with a lighter one scrambling through it for a longer season of flowers.
| Climber | Flowers | Evergreen | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis 'Prolific') | Late spring, scented blue | No | First flowers can take several years from young plants; needs a strong frame |
| Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda 'Longissima Alba') | Late spring, long white trails | No | Same patience needed; long racemes suit a high pergola |
| Mountain clematis (Clematis montana 'Grandiflora') | Late spring, white | No | Vigorous and quick to cover |
| Evergreen clematis (Clematis armandii) | Early spring, scented white | Yes | Best in a sheltered spot out of cold winds |
| Star jasmine (Trachelospermum 'Star of Toscana') | Summer, very fragrant | Yes | Best on a warm, sunny, sheltered post |
| Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina') | Summer to autumn, scented | No | A form of native woodbine; strongest scent in the evening |
| Passion flower (Passiflora caerulea 'Constance Elliot') | Summer, white | Often, in mild winters | May be cut back by hard frost but usually regrows |
Planting and training pergola climbers
Plant in autumn (September to November) or spring (March to May); pot-grown climbers can go in at other times if watered, but not into frozen or waterlogged ground. On heavy Irish clay, dig a wide hole, add compost and grit, and plant about 30–45 cm out from the post where rain can reach the roots. Lean the stems towards the post on a cane and tie them in as they grow. Prune wisteria twice a year, in July and February, to build flowering spurs, and make sure the structure is sturdy, as mature wisteria is heavy. Wisteria and clematis are toxic to pets if eaten, so keep prunings tidied away.
Climbers for a shady pergola
Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris) is hardy in Irish gardens, copes with shade and bears flat white flowerheads in early summer, though it is slow for its first couple of years. Irish ivy gives evergreen cover in deep shade, and honeysuckle is happy with its roots in shade and its head in the light.
Frequently asked questions
How long does wisteria take to flower?
From young plants, the first flowers can take several years. Full sun and regular pruning help.
What is the fastest-growing climber for a pergola?
Clematis montana and honeysuckle give the quickest cover, making them good partners while a wisteria settles in.
Which pergola climbers are evergreen?
Clematis armandii, star jasmine (Trachelospermum), Lonicera henryi and ivy keep their leaves through winter; use the Evergreen filter above to see them together.
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