(Cobaea, Eccremocarpus, Ipomoea / Pharbitis, Lathyrus, Mina, Passiflora, Phaseolus, Thunbergia)
Annual climbing plants are popular for their long-lasting and magnificent flower displays. Often cultivated in pots.
Cathedral Bells or Cup and Saucer Vine (Cobaea) is very fast growing, up to 6m per year and more, and can develop dense, high foliage walls within a short time. Colours in the single flowers change from white-green to pink, burgundy and purple over the course of blossoming, and flowering time is from August to October. There is also a white cultivar (“Alba”) and a pink variegated form.
The Chilean Glory Flower or Chilean Glory Vine (Eccremocarpus) is fast growing with medium leaf density. Yellow-pink, orange and reddish forms, constant bloomer from July until frost. In wine growing regions long-lasting, perennial and with earlier flowers.



(Ipomoea / Pharbitis). Moderately vigorous, rather loose growth habit, approx. 2-4m per year. White, burgundy, purple and blue species, flowering time from July to October, the single flowers dying quickly. A new, perennial cultivar is now also commercially available (Ipomoea indica “Blue Hardy”), which, when planted out, will make new shoots from the base in Spring, just like a shrub.
The Sweet Pea (Lathyrus) has a moderately vigorous, loose growth habit, and there are numerous species with the most differing flowers in white, pink, red, purple to deep blue. Flowers from June to September. If cut in the morning, they make good cut flowers. As the soil gets depleted quickly it is recommended to change the planting position or renew / replenish the soil for every new planting season.
Spanish Flag or Firecracker Vine (Mina lobata) and Star of Bethlehem (Ipomoea quamoclit): Moderate to vigorous growth habit, at times up to 5m height. Flowers are arranged in rows and open up successively displaying a colourful array ranging from red to yellow-orange to yellow-white. Flowering time from July to the first frosts. In a sunny position, the dense foliage can serve as a visual screen.





(Passiflora). Known from the Maracuja fruit, a plant from tropical regions of several countries, with many species, hybrids and cultivars, here often not winter hardy, hence annual. Wintering in a cool room is possible or even planting out as a lasting and perennial woody plant, provided that adequate winter protection is given. When selecting a species it is recommended to first collect some information about experiences with the particular species within that region. Ray-like blossoms in white-red-lilac hues, from May to September. Foliage usually a very decorative dark green.
(Phaseolus). Fast growing, 3-4m per season, forms dense, green foliage walls. White or, depending on species, also bright red flowers from July to September, which are in stark contrast to the foliage. The raw beans are poisonous, but the young beans are edible when cooked.





The Black-Eyed Susan (Thunbergia) has a rather fragile and graceful growth habit, flowers yellow-orange with brown-black throat from July to October, very ornamental, good for cascading or “hanging garden.”
(Tropaeolum). Vigorous growth in well drained, rather poor soil and protected position. Flowers depending on species yellow to red, from June to November, very ornamental, also good for cascading down walls; flower buds and leaves edible.




Sunny to semi-shaded Position, not too windy. Well fertilised garden soil rich in humus with regular watering. For constant flowering fertilise several times.
Almost all systems suitable, although finer meshed trellises are recommended for the climbers with a weaker, more fragile growth habit. Light, for optimal development also Medium and Heavy Duty Growth Supports.












Please click on the graphic illustrations !
| = suitable |
| = moderately suitable |
| = unsuitable |