Complete Gardening
Trellises are not just for supporting climbing plants; they can transform your garden into a vertical feast of beauty and nutrition. Growing edible vines not only optimizes space but also adds a touch of elegance to your outdoor space. Here’s a selection of seven stunning vines that will make your trellis both productive and a visual delight.
Scarlet Runner Bean
With its fiery red blossoms, the scarlet runner bean is a showstopper in any garden. This vine not only offers a vibrant splash of color but also produces edible beans that are both nutritious and delicious. In the Victorian era, this plant was celebrated not just for its beauty but as a staple in cottage gardens. The beans can be eaten fresh or dried for later use. A favorite among pollinators, its blossoms attract hummingbirds, adding life and movement to your garden. Plant them and watch your garden dance with color.
Passionflower
Passionflower vines are a feast for the eyes with their exotic, intricate blooms. These vines produce passion fruits, which are a tropical treat, rich in flavor and nutrients. Indigenous to South America, they have a long history of use in traditional medicine. The mesmerizing flowers are often used in calming teas. This vine is an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of the tropics to their garden. Its rapid growth and stunning flowers make it a gardener’s favorite. A must-have for those who love unique plants.
Malabar Spinach
Malabar spinach is not your typical spinach. With its thick, fleshy leaves, this vine provides a unique texture that is perfect for salads and stir-fries. It thrives in the heat, making it ideal for summer gardens. Originating from tropical Asia, it has been cherished in various cuisines for its nutritional value. This vine grows rapidly, creating a lush green curtain. Its vibrant stems and leaves offer both visual appeal and culinary versatility. It’s a refreshing addition to any garden, bringing both beauty and utility.
Grape Vine
The grape vine is synonymous with vineyards and wine, but it’s also a fantastic addition to home gardens. With its twisting tendrils and lush leaves, it creates a picturesque scene. Grapes have been cultivated for thousands of years, making them a symbol of abundance. They provide juicy, sweet fruit that can be eaten fresh, dried as raisins, or fermented into wine. This vine adds a Mediterranean flair to your trellis, inviting a sense of warmth and tradition. Perfect for those who dream of their own vineyard.
Kiwi Vine
Kiwi vines are a delightful addition to any garden, offering both ornamental beauty and delicious fruits. With their large, heart-shaped leaves and vigorous growth, they quickly cover trellises. The fruits are a rich source of vitamins and a popular choice for health enthusiasts. Originally hailing from China, kiwis have become a global favorite. The vine itself is as attractive as its fruit, making it a perfect dual-purpose plant. Whether you enjoy the fruit fresh or in desserts, it’s a rewarding vine to grow.
Hops
Hops are well-known for their use in brewing beer, but their ornamental value is often overlooked. These vines produce cone-shaped flowers that are both intriguing and fragrant. Originally from Europe, hops have been used for centuries in brewing and herbal remedies. The vines grow rapidly and can create a dense, green cover. For home brewers, growing hops is a dream come true. Even if you’re not into brewing, the lush foliage makes for a spectacular garden feature. It’s a vine that combines beauty with utility.
Cucamelon
Cucamelons, also known as Mexican sour gherkins, are as charming as they are delicious. These tiny fruits resemble miniature watermelons and offer a refreshing, cucumber-like flavor with a hint of citrus. Native to Mexico and Central America, they are a novelty in gardens worldwide. The vine is delicate but prolific, producing abundant fruits. It’s a fun plant for those who enjoy unique garden varieties. Whether pickled or eaten fresh, cucamelons add a playful twist to your culinary adventures.
Chayote (Sechium edule)
Chayote, with its heart-shaped leaves, creates a delightful canopy over any trellis. This vigorous grower produces pear-shaped fruits that are both versatile and nutritious. Rich in vitamin C and low in calories, chayote is a dieter’s delight.
Its subtle flavor blends well in salads and stews. Originating from Mesoamerica, this vine thrives in warm climates. As it climbs, it weaves a tapestry of lush greenery, offering both shade and sustenance.
Chayote represents a fusion of beauty and utility, making it a favorite among home gardeners. In tropical areas, it flourishes year-round, providing continuous harvests.
Hyacinth Bean (Lablab purpureus)
Hyacinth bean stands out with its striking purple flowers and pods. This ornamental vine not only beautifies but also offers edible seeds and pods. Its slightly nutty flavor enhances many dishes, though cooking is essential to reduce toxicity.
Native to Africa, hyacinth bean thrives in sunny spots. It’s a fast climber, often reaching impressive heights, and its lush foliage provides ample cover.
A historical favorite, it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Its dual role as an ornamental and food source makes it a cherished addition to gardens worldwide.
Chocolate Vine (Akebia quinata)
The chocolate vine, known for its fragrant, vanilla-scented flowers, is an exotic delight. Its purple blooms give way to sausage-shaped fruits, which taste sweet and juicy. Ideal for adventurous palates, its subtle flavor is reminiscent of melons.
Native to East Asia, it’s favored for its rapid growth and decorative appeal. As it twists around trellises, it creates an enchanting tapestry.
Chocolate vine’s unique appearance and scent make it a conversation starter. When in full bloom, it becomes the centerpiece of any garden, captivating all who pass by.
Scarlet Bean (Phaseolus coccineus)
The scarlet bean, with its fiery red blossoms, is a vibrant addition to any garden. Its pods are not only striking but also edible when young.
Their mildly sweet flavor complements various culinary creations. Originating from Central America, this vine thrives in temperate climates.
It attracts hummingbirds, adding life to your garden. The scarlet bean’s captivating blooms and tasty pods make it a dual-purpose vine, growing vigorously while offering a feast for both eyes and palate.
Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
Sweet pea, celebrated for its fragrant blossoms, brings both beauty and a sweet aroma to gardens. Its flowers, in hues of pink, purple, and white, are edible and make charming garnishes for salads.
This annual vine thrives in cooler climates, often heralding the arrival of spring. Its delicate tendrils gracefully entwine around trellises, creating a tapestry of color.
Sweet pea’s historical roots trace back to the Mediterranean, where it has been cherished for centuries. Its enchanting scent and vibrant hues continue to delight gardeners worldwide.
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Nasturtium, with its bold, peppery flavor, is a culinary delight. Its vivid flowers and leaves are entirely edible, adding a zesty kick to salads and dishes.
This hardy annual thrives in poor soils, making it a gardener’s friend. It cascades over trellises, creating a vibrant waterfall of color.
Native to South America, nasturtium’s resilience and beauty have made it a staple in gardens worldwide. Its ability to deter pests adds an extra layer of practicality, enhancing its appeal as both an ornamental and edible plant.
Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)
Bitter melon, known for its distinct, bumpy fruits, is both an acquired taste and a health powerhouse. Its bitterness is sought-after in Asian cuisines, complementing stir-fries and soups.
This tropical vine thrives in warm climates, weaving through trellises with ease. Its yellow flowers add a cheerful touch, contrasting with its unique fruits.
Celebrated for its medicinal properties, bitter melon is a staple in natural remedies. Its ability to regulate blood sugar levels enhances its appeal, making it a valuable addition to any garden.
Clematis (Clematis vitalba)
Clematis vitalba, known as “Traveler’s Joy,” enchants with its delicate, starry flowers. While primarily ornamental, its young shoots are edible and can be used in salads.
This vine thrives in temperate climates, creating a cloud of white blooms that captivate the senses. Its vigorous growth and ability to cover large areas make it ideal for expansive trellises.
Clematis has a rich history, often seen in European gardens. Its ethereal beauty and edible parts make it a versatile choice for gardeners seeking both aesthetics and nourishment.
Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
Honeysuckle, with its sweetly scented flowers, is a favorite among gardeners and pollinators alike. Its flowers can be made into syrup or infused in teas, offering a hint of sweetness.
This vine thrives in various climates, weaving through trellises with ease. Its fragrance attracts bees and butterflies, adding life to any garden.
Originating from East Asia, honeysuckle has been a cherished garden staple for centuries. Its intoxicating scent and edible flowers make it a delightful addition to any outdoor space.
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)
The cucumber vine is a garden staple, known for its crisp and refreshing fruits. Its sprawling nature and rapid growth make it ideal for trellis cultivation.
This vine thrives in warm climates, producing an abundance of cucumbers that are perfect for salads or pickling. Its broad leaves provide ample shade, creating a lush green curtain.
Cucumber’s origins trace back to South Asia, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Its adaptability and prolific nature make it a must-have for any garden, offering both beauty and bountiful harvests.