Plantings for Your Garden Arbor

Have you just built an arbor, and are wondering what to plant on or around it? Or have the plants that were on your garden arbor died, and now you’re looking for new ones to take their place? Whatever the reason, this post is here to help. Because, let’s face it, some plants are better for arbors than others.

Some plants look beautiful, but should be avoided at all costs. And some plants are more trouble than they’re worth, when it comes to arbor plantings.

Take, for example, wisteria. It’s a lovely plant, a favorite in the South, but, like the Southern kudzu, it grows just a little “too” well. This is one of those that you want to avoid on a garden arbor; for that matter, on decks, porches, and any other structural objects. The tiny, fragile-looking tendrils of new growth will insinuate themselves into the smallest cracks, say, between planks, or between posts and joists. As the plant grows, those innocent- and delicate-looking tendrils grow into thick, ropey vines that push your structure apart until it literally falls down.

Another good example of a tempting plant that should really be avoided is the rose. Nothing can be more romantic than a garden arbor draped with roses–and nothing can be more unfriendly. Only plant climbing roses on your garden arbor if you want it to become a glorified trellis, something everyone admires and no-one uses.

So what are some examples of plants that are good for a garden arbor? Well, I’m glad you asked. Any climbing vine that doesn’t have thorns and doesn’t have a penchant for taking over can be included; it’s just a matter of choosing the one that’s right for you.

Clematis, for example, are always a good choice, but will they match the rest of your garden as well as, say, honeysuckle might? (Be warned, honeysuckle is a vigorous grower; it won’t destroy structures the way wisteria will, but you will be forever pulling it out of your garden.) If you absolutely must have roses, try one of the new thornless varieties.

And, of course, never forget the more exotic plants. Consider growing kiwi or passion fruit, and you’ll not only have a lovely, friendly vine for your garden arbor, you’ll also have delicious edible fruit in season. And what could be better than that?