11 Plants That Love to Climb — No Trellis Needed

Climbing plants add vertical interest and lush greenery to any space—but not all of them need a trellis to thrive. Some species naturally cling, scramble, or drape beautifully on their own.

These 11 climbers are perfect for gardeners who want that wild, romantic look—without installing a single support pole.

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

This classic vine uses tiny rootlets to cling to almost any surface—walls, fences, or stonework. It spreads quickly and thrives in both sun and shade.

Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata)

Known for its brilliant fall color, Boston ivy grabs onto walls with small adhesive pads. It creates a dense, living curtain without any added support.

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

Fast-growing and vigorous, this native climber uses tendrils with suction-cup tips to scale walls and trees. It offers beautiful foliage and excellent ground cover too.

Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans)

This aggressive grower clings to surfaces with aerial rootlets and bursts into fiery orange blooms. Pollinators love it—but give it space, as it can take over quickly.

Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris)

With fragrant white blooms and heart-shaped leaves, this hydrangea climbs walls and tree trunks naturally. Its aerial roots help it grip without a trellis.

Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)

Perfect for covering walls or fences, creeping fig clings with ease and creates a lush, green blanket. It’s often used on masonry for a storybook look.

Passionflower (Passiflora spp.)

This tropical vine climbs using tendrils and thrives even when allowed to scramble over shrubs or fences. The exotic blooms attract bees, butterflies, and admiring glances.

Bougainvillea

While technically a scrambler, bougainvillea will happily sprawl over walls, rocks, or other plants without structured support. Its bright papery bracts offer vibrant color for months.

Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora)

This fragrant vine covers everything in a mass of tiny white flowers in late summer. It uses leaf stems to cling and often grows happily without a formal trellis.

Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)

With sweet-smelling blooms and vigorous growth, honeysuckle winds its way through shrubs or across fences. Many species twine naturally and don’t need much help climbing.

Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens or sinensis)

Wisteria wraps itself tightly around whatever’s nearby—trees, posts, or other plants. Its cascading purple blooms are stunning, but its grip is strong, so plant with care.

These self-climbing plants don’t need a trellis—they’ll find their own path. Just give them a surface, and they’ll sprawl, bloom, and transform your space with ease.