AdewebsI’ve been tending gardens for decades, and one thing I’ve learned is this: nothing breathes life into a dull wall, bare fence, or empty balcony quite like climbing and trailing plants. They grow fast, they spread wide, and they turn a plain space into a little green paradise.
I remember one spring when my old wooden shed looked more like a forgotten shack than part of a garden. By summer, after planting just a couple of fast-growing climbers, it was completely covered in lush greenery and dotted with flowers. Neighbors thought I had rebuilt the shed—but nope, it was just nature doing her thing with the right plants.
If you’ve got a space crying out for some charm—maybe a fence that looks too bare, a balcony that feels lifeless, or even indoor corners that could use some greenery—these 15 fast-growing climbing and trailing plants will do the trick. Let’s dive in.
15 Fast Growing Climbing Plants for Your Home
1. Morning Glory
Morning Glory lives up to its name—those blooms greet you bright and early, opening in the morning and curling back at dusk. This trailing plant is quick to climb trellises, fences, or even balcony rails, giving you a curtain of color.
It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Just keep an eye on it because once it takes off, it doesn’t know when to stop. Perfect for folks who want fast results without too much fuss.
2. Clematis
Clematis is like the showstopper of the climbing world. With so many varieties, you can get anything from small star-shaped flowers to giant blooms that look like something from a painting.
It prefers its “feet in the shade and head in the sun,” which means keep its roots cool with mulch or ground cover while letting the top soak up sunshine. This balance helps it thrive beautifully.
3. Sweet Peas
Sweet Peas are climbers that reward you with the most delightful fragrance. I planted them once along a garden arch, and walking through it felt like stepping into a natural perfume shop.
They grow best in cool weather, making them perfect for early spring planting. Give them a trellis to climb, and they’ll gift you with both charm and scent.
4. Jasmine
Few trailing plants can compete with the intoxicating smell of Jasmine. In summer evenings, its sweet aroma can drift through open windows and make you pause just to take a deep breath.
It’s a hardy climber in warm climates, and with a little support, it can cover pergolas, trellises, or even fences with ease. Keep it pruned, or it might take over faster than you’d expect.
5. Ivy (English Ivy)
Ah, the classic. Ivy has been covering stone walls and old English cottages for centuries. It’s one of those trailing plants that needs very little care but gives a dramatic green backdrop year-round.
Just be mindful—it can be invasive if left unchecked. But for shaded corners or spots where other plants struggle, ivy steps up and thrives.
6. Bougainvillea
If you’ve ever strolled through Mediterranean streets, you’ve seen Bougainvillea turning walls into vibrant cascades of purple, pink, or orange. It’s tough, drought-tolerant, and thrives in sunny spots.
It does need warmth, so in colder climates, grow it in containers and bring it indoors when frost threatens. Give it space and sunlight, and it’ll reward you with dazzling color.
7. Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle isn’t just lovely—it’s a magnet for hummingbirds and bees. Its sweet scent fills the air in summer evenings, making it one of my personal favorites.
It grows fast and doesn’t fuss about soil, but it does love the sun. Train it along fences or pergolas, and you’ll soon have both beauty and buzzing life in your garden.
8. Wisteria
Now here’s a climber that demands patience but pays off in pure magic. Wisteria drapes long, fragrant clusters of flowers that look like nature’s chandeliers.
It’s a vigorous grower, so make sure you’ve got a strong structure—weak fences won’t cut it. Once established, though, Wisteria is a showstopper every spring.
9. Nasturtium
Don’t underestimate Nasturtium. These cheerful climbers give you bright flowers and edible leaves that taste peppery—great for tossing into salads.
They grow quickly in poor soil, believe it or not, and don’t need much fertilizing. They’re also great companions in vegetable gardens, attracting pollinators and deterring pests.
10. Passionflower
Passionflower is exotic, bold, and looks like something from another planet. Its intricate blooms are a conversation starter for sure.
It grows rapidly, especially in warm climates, and attracts butterflies like no other. Train it along a trellis, and you’ll have both beauty and buzzing wings around.
11. Black-Eyed Susan Vine
This plant is cheerful, fast, and not picky at all. With bright yellow or orange flowers and a dark center, it can light up any balcony railing or fence.
Give it full sun and regular watering, and it’ll keep climbing and blooming happily all season long.
12. Trumpet Vine
If you want a climber that really makes a statement, Trumpet Vine is it. Its big, trumpet-shaped flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds.
It’s a fast grower, sometimes too fast, so give it a sturdy space and keep pruning it back. Left alone, it’ll take over a fence in no time.
13. Climbing Roses
Climbing Roses add elegance like nothing else. When they’re in bloom, they turn a trellis or garden arch into a romantic dream.
They need regular pruning and a little more attention than some climbers, but the payoff is stunning. With the right care, they’ll keep blooming year after year.
14. Pea Vine
If you want both food and beauty, pea vines are a great pick. They climb easily, grow quickly, and you get fresh peas to boot.
Support them with a trellis, water them regularly, and enjoy both a lush green look and tasty harvest.
15. Hydrangea Vine
Hydrangea vines are slower to start, but once they settle in, they give you lush foliage and clusters of white blooms.
They’re perfect for shady areas where other climbing plants might struggle. With patience, they’ll reward you with a graceful, elegant look.
Why Trailing Plants Are Perfect for Homes
Trailing plants aren’t just about beauty—they’re problem solvers too. They hide ugly walls, bring life to small balconies, and even provide shade when grown over pergolas. Plus, many are low-maintenance once established.
As someone who’s worked both farms and home gardens, I can tell you: nothing transforms a space quicker than a good trailing plant.
Tips for Growing Climbing & Trailing Plants Successfully
-
Soil prep matters: Loose, well-draining soil helps roots spread fast.
-
Support is key: Use trellises, poles, or fences strong enough for vigorous growers.
-
Watering: Most need consistent moisture, especially in hot spells.
-
Fertilizer: A little compost tea or balanced feed goes further than overloading with chemical fertilizer.
-
Pruning: Don’t let fast climbers choke themselves or nearby plants.
FAQs on Fast Growing Climbing & Trailing Plants
1. What are the fastest growing trailing plants for beginners?
Morning Glory, Nasturtium, and Sweet Peas are some of the easiest and fastest growing trailing plants. They don’t need much fussing over and reward you with quick growth and color.
2. Can I grow climbing plants in pots or containers?
Yes, many climbers like Ivy, Jasmine, and Black-Eyed Susan vine do well in large pots. Just make sure you provide sturdy support like a trellis or pole for them to climb.
3. Do trailing plants need full sun to thrive?
Not all. Bougainvillea and Morning Glory love full sun, but Ivy and Hydrangea Vine prefer partial or full shade. Always match the plant to the light conditions of your space.
4. How do I stop climbing plants from becoming invasive?
Regular pruning is key. Vigorous growers like Trumpet Vine or Wisteria can take over if left unchecked. Train them properly and cut them back when they spread too much.
5. Can trailing plants grow indoors?
Yes, many trailing plants like Ivy, Jasmine, and even small Clematis varieties can be grown indoors near windows with good sunlight. Hanging baskets also work well.
6. What’s the difference between a climbing plant and a trailing plant?
Climbing plants usually grow upward using tendrils, aerial roots, or twining stems, while trailing plants spill downward or spread sideways. Many plants, like Nasturtium, can do both depending on support.
7. Do climbing and trailing plants need fertilizer?
They benefit from compost or balanced liquid feed during active growth. But don’t overdo it—too much fertilizer often leads to more leaves and fewer flowers. Compost tea works wonders.
8. Will climbing plants damage walls or fences?
Some, like Ivy, can cling directly to surfaces and may damage brickwork over time. Safer options include using trellises or wires to guide climbers without letting them attach directly to walls.
9. How fast do trailing plants grow?
It depends on the type, but plants like Morning Glory and Nasturtium can show significant growth within weeks. Others, like Wisteria or Hydrangea Vine, take a few years to fully establish.
10. Which climbing plants are best for attracting pollinators?
Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Passionflower, and Trumpet Vine are excellent choices for attracting bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. They bring life and color to your garden.
Final Thoughts
Climbing and trailing plants are like magic. One season, you’ve got bare walls and dull fences. The next, you’re walking through a green paradise filled with flowers, scents, and even fresh food.
They don’t just decorate your space—they create atmosphere, attract pollinators, and make you feel closer to nature.
So, whether you’re in the US, UK, or anywhere with a patch of soil or a balcony railing, give one (or a few) of these fast growers a shot. You might be surprised how quickly your home transforms.
