Add an extra dimension to your outdoor space with scented climbing plants and vines - they’re perfect for creating atmosphere in a seating area or twining around an arch to fragrance a path or walkway.
Climbers grown by specialists at the height of their game
What does it take to grow the strongest and best climbing plants in the show tent? Organic fertilisers, natural pest control and years of dedication from Mollie, our expert grower in Worcestershire. Professionally pruned and checked by hand, they’re guaranteed to put on a gold standard display in your garden, too.
Need help picking?
Why you should pick a fragrant climbing plant
Fragrant climbing plants are like those annoying kids at school that are good at everything – vertical interest? Tick. Fabulous flowers? Tick. Fantastic fragrance? You guessed it. Unlike the annoying kid, however, these plants won’t leave you filled with rage and spite, but rather a feeling of utmost satisfaction and tranquility. From charming woodland honeysuckles that perfume the air with notes of heady honey, to stunning star jasmines that imbue the garden with hints of vanilla, these climbers double up on their sensory offerings, dazzling as they do so.
Which fragrant climbing plants should you pick?
It depends on what your personal tastes are, fragrance wise. For instance, if you’re after a distinctive scent, then you’ll want to select something like the chocolate vine (Akebia quinata) which boasts a bouquet of chocolate and nutmeg. For something more traditionally floral, then a jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is your best bet. As alluded to above, honeysuckles typically have a honeyed scent, complemented with refreshing citrus undertones, so if sweetness is your jam (is that a pun?) then a honeysuckle (like Lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina') should hit the mark nicely. Wisterias (such as Wisteria floribunda ‘Royal Purple’) are often more delicately fragrant, with subtle clove and spicy characteristics. Clematises also often radiate a pleasant fragrance. The evergreen Clematis armandii, for instance, is well-known for its almond-scented blooms, so if you’re nuts about nuts, this is the plant for you.
Do fragrant climbing plants have special care requirements?
The scented nature of particular climbing plants doesn’t in and of itself lead to any specific care requirements, however there are a few things you should bear in mind when planting and looking after your scented climber. Certain climbers are suitable for container growing – star jasmine, for instance – and these will require more watering than climbers grown in the ground, given how much quicker the compost within the pot will dry. That said, even ground-grown climbers might need more routine watering than those grown in a more open position. This is because of something called the rain shadow effect, which is where the ground directly beneath a wall or fence is drier because of said surface. Plant at least 30cm (preferably closer to 45cm) from the vertical surface to avoid this.
