Garden

35 Best Vines for Containers (Climbing Plants for Pots)

Written by Emily Belkoff

Want to grow a beautiful garden but don’t have much space? I was in the same boat until I started growing vines in pots! 

These climbing plants can turn even the smallest patio or balcony into something special. 

Best of all, keeping them in pots means they won’t take over your yard like they sometimes do in the ground.

35 Perfect Vines for Container Growing

1. English Ivy

I absolutely love English ivy for shady spots – it’s basically impossible to kill! It’s my go-to recommendation for beginner gardeners because it adapts to pretty much any conditions you throw at it.

2. Morning Glory

This is such a sweet, old-fashioned vine that’s perfect for container growing. I’ve had great success growing it in regular 12-inch pots, which makes it super budget-friendly.

3. Clematis

Want to add some drama to your container garden? Clematis is your answer! Just remember to feed it regularly and give it plenty of deep watering. I learned this the hard way my first season!

4. Virginia Creeper

The fall colors on this vine are absolutely stunning! Mine turns the most gorgeous crimson red every autumn. I have it growing on my balcony, where it gives us some much-needed privacy from our neighbors.

5. Climbing Hydrangea

If you’re in zones 4-9 like me, this vine is a total game-changer for those tricky partial shade spots. It’s been thriving in the shadier corner of my patio for years.

6. Trumpet Vine

Let me tell you – this fast grower means business! While it can get a bit unruly in garden beds, keeping it in a container helps tame its wild nature. It’s adapted beautifully from my friend’s warm garden to my cooler space.

7. Bougainvillea

Though technically not a true vine, this climbing shrub brings the most amazing tropical vibes to my container garden. I keep mine in a large pot in my sunniest spot, and it rewards me with gorgeous blooms.

8. Honeysuckle

Nothing beats the sweet fragrance of honeysuckle on a summer evening! Mine stays evergreen through our mild winters, but just make sure to give it plenty of sun and regular water.

9. Wisteria

I’ll be honest – this beauty needs a serious pot and strong support, but oh my goodness, is it worth it! Mine creates the most magical purple cascade every spring when it blooms.

10. Common Jasmine

This is my absolute favorite for fragrant evenings on the patio! It needs well-draining soil and plenty of warmth, but it’s worth the effort. In my frost-free area, it blooms practically year-round, filling our outdoor space with the most heavenly scent.

11. Confederate Jasmine

Another stunning jasmine variety that’s become a staple in my container garden. It loves basking in the sun, and those star-shaped flower clusters are simply magical to watch unfold.

12. Climbing Roses

Talk about a show-stopper! My container climbing roses bloom like crazy and smell divine. Just remember to give them regular haircuts to keep them looking their best – I usually do my pruning during my morning coffee time.

13. Mandevilla

These funnel-shaped flowers have become my summer obsession! Even though I live in a cooler zone, I grow them as annuals, and they provide gorgeous blooms all season long.

14. Cup and Saucer Vine

This Mexican native has stolen my heart with its fast growth and abundant blooms. The secret to success? I give it the brightest spot on my patio, and it rewards me with endless flowers.

15. Passion Flower

Want to feel like you’re living in a tropical paradise? This exotic beauty will do the trick! Mine gets plenty of sun and puts on the most extraordinary flower show I’ve ever seen.

16. Black-Eyed Susan Vine

This cheerful climber has become my go-to for adding privacy to my container garden. It needs full sun and a sturdy trellis, but those bright flowers make it worth every effort.

17. Dutchman’s Pipe

Looking for something unique? This unusual vine has the most interesting heart-shaped leaves. It’s become quite the conversation starter when friends visit my container garden.

18. Butterfly Pea

While this tropical beauty thrives best in zones 10 and 11, I grow it as an annual in my cooler garden. The flowers are absolutely worth the extra effort!

19. Moonflower

This night-blooming beauty has become my favorite evening companion. I placed the container near our bedroom window, and the fragrance is simply magical on warm summer nights.

20. Snapdragon Vine

I love using this versatile vine in hanging baskets! While it’s happiest in warm climates, it performs beautifully as an annual in my temperate garden.

21. Canary Creeper

This continuous bloomer brings cheerful color from summer straight through fall. In my zone 9 garden, it’s a reliable perennial that keeps coming back stronger each year.

22. Sweet Pea

These fragrant climbers are my springtime joy! I plant bush varieties in my containers, and their sweet scent makes garden time extra special.

23. Sweet Autumn Clematis

Late summer becomes magical when this vine bursts into bloom! The masses of fragrant flowers fill my garden with the most incredible scent from late summer into fall.

24. Snail Vine

I’m constantly amazed by how these flowers transform from white to lavender pink. It’s like having a color-changing show right on my patio!

25. Cardinal Climber

This annual vine is perfect for adding vertical interest to my summer container garden. The cardinal red flowers against the ferny foliage create such a striking display.

26. Common Grapevine

Who doesn’t love the idea of growing their own grapes? Mine produces enough for fresh eating and even some homemade raisins! Just make sure to give it plenty of sun.

27. Boston Ivy

This easy-growing climber adds such wonderful color to my container garden. It’s super adaptable, thriving in both sunny and partially shaded spots on my patio.

28. Mexican Flame Vine

The daisy-like blooms on this fast grower bring such cheerful energy to my garden. I keep it well-watered in full sun, and it blooms non-stop.

29. Purple Bell Vine

The delicate stems and purple blooms add such elegance to my container garden. Those heart-shaped leaves make it look beautiful even when it’s not flowering.

30. Nepal Ivy

This versatile ivy has become my go-to for problem spots. The lacy grey-green leaves look stunning whether in deep shade or full sun.

31. Cypress Vine

The dainty star-shaped flowers come in the prettiest colors! I grow mine in well-draining soil with plenty of sun, and it’s been thriving.

32. Sky Blue Cluster Vine

As a Florida native, this vine feels right at home in my partially shaded spots. Those funnel-shaped sky blue flowers are simply stunning!

33. Blue Bell Creeper

I keep this semi-hardy vine in a sheltered spot with rich, well-draining soil. It rewards me with beautiful blooms from spring through summer.

34. Pandora Vine

The tubular pink-white blooms make such a lovely display near my patio seating area. It’s a fast grower that really delivers on the flower power!

35. Tropical Bleeding Heart Vine

Also known as bleeding glory bower, this unique vine brings such drama to my container garden. Those blood-red blooms against the heart-shaped leaves never fail to catch visitors’ attention.

Hi! I'm Emily!

I'm a mom who's passionate about creating beautiful gardens without the hassle. Here, I share simple tips that actually work for busy people like us.

From picking the right plants to making them thrive, I'll help you create an outdoor space you'll love!

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