Limited Space – Vertical Planting
If space in your garden is limited, or you want to transform a fence or wall, then vertical planting is the perfect solution. A simple trellis can support a colourful climber, or you can hang pots filled with trailing herbs, ivy, or strawberries – both edible and decorative.
Container-grown climbers also make a stunning display, adding height, colour, and fragrance to bare vertical areas in a courtyard or balcony. For containers, choose less vigorous climbers to ensure healthy growth.
There is a wide collection of evergreen and deciduous climbers available. Popular varieties include:
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Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
An evergreen climber with scented white flowers that bloom in late spring and summer. A variegated form (Jasmine variegatum) has glossy green leaves edged with cream and clusters of white, fragrant flowers. -
Jasmine Multipartum
A hardy, indigenous evergreen climber with dark green foliage and masses of scented blooms from August to January. -
Clematis brachiata (Traveller’s Joy)
A fast-growing deciduous climber with cream-pink flowers in late summer, followed by dainty, fluffy seed heads. -
Black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia alata)
A perennial climber native to South Africa. It produces heart-shaped foliage and vibrant blooms in white, peach, yellow, orange, or red. In some regions, it remains evergreen. -
Bougainvillea
A flamboyant climber with spectacular blooms in purple, red, pink, or orange. Robust and vigorous, it requires strong support. Bougainvilleas thrive in large containers, as they prefer their roots constricted. Smaller varieties are especially well suited for container growing.
Vertical planting not only saves space but also adds striking colour, fragrance, and interest to any garden. Whether you’re looking to soften a wall, brighten a balcony, or simply make the most of a small garden, climbers are an inspiring solution.
Climbers available at Our Online Nursery
Village Gardens is widely recognised as one of Cape Town’s best landscaping and garden design firms. Based in the Southern Suburbs, they pair creative vision with environmental sensitivity—specialising in water-wise, indigenous, edible and wildlife-friendly gardens.
