Want to transform your backyard in record time? These 10 fast-growing climbing plants are the answer!
After testing dozens of different vines in my own garden, I found these speedy growers that shoot up so fast, you can practically watch them grow.
Whether you need to hide an ugly fence or create a green paradise, these climbing plants will give you that instant garden makeover you’re dreaming of!
1. Akebia Quinata (Chocolate Vine)
My love affair with the Chocolate Vine began three seasons ago, and I’m still amazed by its performance. This vigorous climber shoots up to 30 feet tall with a spread of 6-10 feet, perfect for those unsightly garden walls.
Being suitable for USDA zones 5-9, it’s incredibly adaptable to different climates. The semi-evergreen foliage keeps my garden looking alive even during the dormant season.
One thing I’ve learned – this beauty isn’t picky about light! It happily grows in both full sun and partial shade. Just remember to keep those pruning shears handy and give it plenty of room to spread. Trust me, I learned that lesson the hard way when it tried to take over my garage!
2. Cobaea Scandens (Cup and Saucer Vine)
Looking for something that grows tall without taking up too much ground space? My Cup and Saucer Vine has been a game-changer! It rockets up to 10-20 feet tall while maintaining a slim spread of just 1-2 feet.
Perfect for zones 9-10, this slender beauty loves claiming trellises and arbors as its own. The pollinators in my garden absolutely adore it!
I’ve found it thrives in sunny spots, but here’s the key – make sure you provide a sturdy support structure. Regular watering and occasional feeding keep it happy and growing strong. This has become my go-to for narrow spaces that need vertical interest.
3. Passion Fruit Vine
Want a climber that gives back? My passion fruit vine is both a showstopper and a snack provider! Growing 20-30 feet in both height and spread, it’s transformed our bare fence into a productive green wall.
If you’re in zones 9-11 with a sunny spot and well-drained soil, you’re in for a treat. The fragrant flowers are absolutely mesmerizing, and the edible fruits are a bonus my kids can’t get enough of.
I spend about 15 minutes each month pruning to keep it in check and boost fruit production. The butterflies and bees it attracts make it worth every second of maintenance!
4. Honeysuckle
After growing up with honeysuckle at my grandmother’s house, I knew I had to include it in my own garden. This sweet-scented climber reaches a manageable 10 feet in height with a 5-foot spread – perfect for my garden archway!
Thriving in USDA zones 4-8, it’s incredibly versatile. The tubular flowers aren’t just pretty; they’re hummingbird magnets! I often catch myself pausing from gardening just to watch these tiny visitors.
Whether in full sun or partial shade, honeysuckle performs beautifully. I let mine tumble naturally over our garden wall, only giving it the occasional trim to keep it tidy.
5. Sweet Pea
For pure charm in a smaller package, you can’t beat sweet peas! Growing to 6 feet with a modest 2-foot spread, these delightful climbers pack a big punch in a compact size.
These hardy little champions work in zones 2-11, making them perfect for almost any garden. The heavenly scent and vibrant colors make them ideal for containers and borders.
I’ve found they perform best with plenty of sunlight and cooler temperatures. Mine grow up simple trellises and stakes, and with regular watering and deadheading, they bloom their hearts out all season!
6. Potato Vine
When I needed quick privacy for our porch, potato vine became my secret weapon. This vigorous grower reaches impressive heights of 25 feet with a 15-foot spread.
Perfect for zones 9-11, it’s become my go-to for creating natural shade on pergolas and porches. The dense foliage provides excellent privacy screening, which has been a blessing for our outdoor living space.
This low-maintenance superstar adapts well to both full sun and partial shade. I only need to break out the pruners occasionally to keep it from getting too enthusiastic!
7. Trumpet Creeper
Talk about making a statement! My trumpet creeper has become the neighborhood conversation starter, soaring to an impressive 40 feet with a 20-foot spread.
Suitable for zones 4-9, this show-stopper produces spectacular trumpet-shaped flowers that have turned our garden into a butterfly and hummingbird haven.
It loves basking in full sun and isn’t fussy about soil types. Just keep those pruning shears handy – this vigorous grower needs regular trimming to stay in check!
8. Spanish Flag (Mina Lobata)
For a splash of ever-changing color, Spanish Flag has become my absolute favorite. Growing 15 feet tall with a 12-foot spread, it creates the most incredible display.
Perfect for zones 9-11, this stunner produces multicolored flowers that transition from red to cream. I grow mine in large containers where it can really show off.
It needs full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. With regular feeding and consistent watering, especially during summer, it puts on an absolutely magnificent show!
9. Vitis Coignetiae (Crimson Glory Vine)
When fall color is what you’re after, Crimson Glory Vine delivers in spades! This impressive climber reaches a whopping 50 feet with a 20-foot spread.
Thriving in zones 6-9, it’s become the highlight of our autumn garden. The foliage transforms into the most incredible display of reds and purples that stops traffic!
This robust climber loves a sunny spot and requires minimal fuss. I give it an occasional pruning to keep it in shape, but otherwise, it’s wonderfully low-maintenance.
10. Kiwi Vine
Last but certainly not least, my kiwi vine brings both beauty and bounty to our garden. Growing to 12 feet tall with a 5-foot spread, it’s the perfect size for most garden spaces.
Hardy in zones 3-8, this productive climber needs both male and female plants if you want those delicious fruits. Mine grow in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
I’ve installed a sturdy support structure to handle its growth, and regular pruning keeps it productive. The excitement of harvesting our own kiwis makes it worth every bit of effort!