Growth Habits of Climbing Plants

Since most climbing plants require some form of trellis or climbing aid, it is useful to know their growth habits; the habit, or climbing strategy, determines the type of support it needs, i.e. the selection of a suitable rope system and the right size/gauge -- what we refer to as construction style. In this section, climbing plants have been classified into seven major groups based on growth habit (detailed plant info will then be found under our individual plant profiles.) FassadenGrün offers a range of compatible trellis systems in light, easy, medium, heavy, and massive versions.

Carport with vitis coignetiae and parthenocissus "Engelmannii"
Carport with vitis coignetiae and parthenocissus "Engelmannii"

Self-Clinging Plants

"Self-climbers" ~ aerial rootlets and suction cups

Twiners, Vines, Lianas

Vines and lianas, twining growth

Stem Tendril Climbers

Plants with a sense of touch

Petiole (Leaf Tendril) Climbers

Tendril-like leaf stalks (petioles) make knots to climb

Ramblers

Plants that climb by hooking

Hanging Plants

Overhanging, cascading greenery

Shapeable Woody Plants

Espalier trees and shrubs: training, pruning, binding