Pergola at the center of a garden coved by an abundance of flowering climbing vines.

Gardening is a creative and rewarding hobby that brings us closer to nature. If you’re looking for an easy way to beautify your garden and give it a more natural look, then evergreen climbing vines are a great choice.

These beautiful and resilient plants have been a staple of gardens around the world for centuries, providing not only a stunning visual display but also practical benefits such as shade, privacy, and effective ground coverage. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular types of evergreen climbing vines and the many ways you can incorporate them into your own garden.

Benefits of Evergreen Climbing Vines

A climbing vine beginning to cover a lattice that will provide privacy to a patio.

Evergreen climbing vines offer several benefits to your garden and landscape. For one, they provide natural shade and shelter for birds, insects, and other small animals. They also help to reduce noise pollution by absorbing sound waves. Vines can also help to regulate the temperature in your garden, keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Plus, they offer privacy and camouflage for unsightly structures.

Crossvine

flowering crossvine with many red and yellow tubular flowers cover the climbing vine.

Crossvine, also known as the Bignonia capreolata, is a magnificent evergreen climbing vine that is native to the southeastern United States. Its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers blossom in the spring, painting the landscape with bright hues of red, yellow, and orange. But, the Crossvine is not just a pretty face.

This semi-evergreen vine is also a great climber, capable of scaling tall structures and trellises with ease. Its strong, twisting stems, and adhesive tendrils make it a popular choice for adding vertical interest to a garden or landscape. So, whether you’re looking to add a pop of color to your yard or create a natural privacy screen, Crossvine may be the climbing vine for you.

Clematis

White clematis flowers

Another popular evergreen climbing vine is Clematis varieties like ‘Early Sensation’ or ‘Jingle Bells.’ This plant is known for its striking flowers, which come in a variety of colors and shapes.

Clematis thrives in well-draining, moist soil and prefers to be planted in partial shade with a cool root environment. This vine can be trained to grow up a trellis or as a ground cover, and its unique flowers will add a pop of color to any garden.

Trailing Star Jasmine

Jasmine climbing vines covering an arbor with evergreen leaves and white fragrant flowers.

If you’re looking for a faster-growing vine, then the Trachelospermum Jasminoides (also known as “Trailing Star Jasmine”) is perfect for you. This evergreen climbing vine is a drought-tolerant plant that grows quickly and can cover large surfaces in a matter of months.

Close up of white densely blooming jasmine vine.

Trailing star jasmine flowers in the summer, covering the vine in beautiful white blooms that attract bees and butterflies. Its pleasant fragrance also makes it ideal for planting near outdoor entertaining spaces.

Honeysuckle

An evergreen honeysuckle climbing vine with orange flowers growing up a metal arbor.


Lonicera henryi, an evergreen honeysuckle, is a versatile climbing vine that will add year-round color to your garden. This beautiful plant features shiny, dark green leaves that are a perfect backdrop for the clusters of tubular, fragrant flowers that bloom from spring through fall and attract hummingbirds.

Close up of the orange tubular flowers of evergreen honeysuckle that is very popular with hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Unlike many other honeysuckles, the Lonicera henryi variety keeps its leaves throughout the year, providing a reliable source of greenery even in the coldest months.

As a climbing vine, it’s perfect for covering trellises, walls, and fences, adding a lush, vertical element to your landscaping. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice looking for a low-maintenance plant that will thrive in many conditions, Lonicera henryi is an excellent choice.

Ivy

Up close of a fresh ivy leaf against a grey concrete wall.

Last but not least, let’s talk about the classic evergreen climbing vine, ivy. Ivy is a hardy and versatile perennial that can grow in almost any soil type, drainage, or sun exposure. Once established, ivy can quickly cover and grow over walls, fences, and trellises, creating a stunning green wall effect.

It’s perfect for adding privacy and a bit of natural charm to your outdoor space, and it requires minimal maintenance. Ivy is also known for its air-filtering properties, making it an excellent choice for urban gardens.

A wall thickly covered by ivy climbing vines. A great strategy for reducing sound pollution.

Evergreen climbing vines offer a wide range of diversity to any garden. From the classic ivy to the striking crossvine and everything in between, these plants offer something for every gardener. They require little attention once established and will provide beauty, shade, and privacy all year round. Try incorporating one or more of these evergreen climbing vines into your garden to experience their full potential.