Growing guide

How to grow climbers and wall shrubs

Climbing plants and wall shrubs bring high-rise beauty to our gardens, clothing walls, fences, obelisks and pergolas in colourful flowers and foliage. There are different types to suit all growing conditions and they’re particularly useful in small gardens, as they take up so little ground space.

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Quick facts

  • Most are quick to grow when given the right conditions
  • Plant in spring or autumn
  • Flowers can be produced in spring, summer and autumn, depending on species
  • There are climbers for all growing conditions
  • Most are happy with annual pruning 
  • Many are ideal for small gardens 

All you need to know

Before you get started
Planting
Ongoing care
Pruning and training
Propagating
Problems
While we think all this information will be helpful to you, we always recommend to read the instruction labels on your plants.

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.