Yearly seed-grown plants to flourish and expand by 10-fold
Fast-speed annual climbers are a great way to liven up a trellis, obelisk, or even a fence, with fabulous flowers appearing just weeks after seeding. This assortment of bloomers ranges from the classic sweet pea to the more exotic Spanish flag and morning glory. These plants aren't just pretty faces; they're also perfect for filling the space vacated by slower-growing perennial climbers. Pair some for a colorful explosions in your display!
Curious to learn more about growing climbers? Check out the following guides:
- 10 of the best climbers for wildlife
- How to grow fragrant climbers
- Eight fast-growing climbers
Let's dive into some of our favorite annual climbers:
Climbing Snapdragon (Asarina scandens)
This beauty, flowering from mid-summer until the first frost, boasts lilac pink blossoms cascading among small, ivy-like leaves.
Size: Typically growing 2-2.5m tall with a spread of around 50cm.
Cup-and-Saucer Vine (Cobaea scandens)
If you're looking for a powerful plant to cover an unsightly shed or fence, look no further than this beast. It bears large, trumpet-like flowers from August until the first frost, and the white variety, Cobaea scandens alba, is particularly vigorous.
Size: Up to a hefty 5m tall and 2m wide.
Moon Flower (Ipomoea alba)
These plants bring some serious drama to your garden with their fragrant, large white flowers that bloom from dusk until dawn. Perfect for warm summer evenings, position them near your patio for the best results.
Size: Typically growing 2.5m tall and 1.8m wide.
Spanish Flag (Ipomoea lobata)
This plants flowers dance up the plant like flames, starting in June, making them a vibrant addition to your garden. They're easy to grow from seed, and pairing them with a darker-flowered morning glory can add some extra flair.
Size: Up to 5m tall and 1m wide.
Creeping Gloxinia (Lophospermum erubescens)
These plants produce large pink snapdragon-like flowers from midsummer against a backdrop of lush, tropical leaves. Train them up an obelisk for maximum impact.
Size: Typically growing 2m tall and 1m wide.
Cypress Vine (Ipomoea 'Cardinal Climber')
These plants offer an unusual dark, almost filigree foliage as a stunning backdrop to their bright red flowers. They're self-supporting, so grow them up an obelisk or trellis.
Size: Typically growing 2.4m tall and 30cm wide.
Morning Glory 'Kniolas Black Knight'
These plants display velvety purple flowers with deeper veins from late June until the first frost. Pair them with Spanish flag for a striking contrast.
Size: Typically growing 2.4m tall and 30cm wide.
Petunia 'Tidal Wave Red Velour'
These plants produce masses of fragrant, velvety-red flowers from May until the first frosts, and they're perfect for training up an obelisk for maximum impact.
Size: Typically growing 1.9cm tall and 90cm wide.
Morning Glory 'Party Dress'
These plants bear beautiful pink trumpet-shaped blooms with a white throat, and they flower well from July to September.
Size: Typically growing 2.4m tall and 30cm wide.
Black-eyed Susan 'Desert Sandstorm'
Unlike most black-eyed Susans with orange flowers, this plant boasts unusual custard yellow blooms with a dark eye. Grow it in a warm, sunny spot, and enjoy the flowers until the first frosts.
Size: Typically growing 2.5m tall and 60cm wide.
Enhance your home-and-garden lifestyle by cultivating impressive annual climbers like the Climbing Snapdragon, Cup-and-Saucer Vine, Moon Flower, Spanish Flag, Creeping Gloxinia, Cypress Vine, or Morning Glory. These plants not only beautify your home but also fill the space left by slower-growing perennials. Discover the best practices for growing these climbers by reading our guides on fast-growing climbers, fragrant climbers, and those beneficial for wildlife.
