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Evergreen climbers retain their foliage throughout the year, making them ideal for covering unsightly structures and creating a stable, wildlife‑friendly garden. Unlike deciduous varieties that shed leaves in autumn, these plants offer continuous privacy, visual interest, and structural support all season long.
Ivy is perhaps the most recognizable evergreen climber. While it has earned a controversial reputation, it is not parasitic; its rootlets simply cling to surfaces. However, a mature ivy plant can act like a sail in high winds, potentially damaging weakened trees or structures. On sound walls, ivy is harmless and, according to research by English Heritage and Oxford University, can keep walls 15% warmer in winter and 36% cooler in summer, while shielding masonry from frost, salt and pollution.
For wildlife‑friendly gardens, ivy’s autumn‑winter flowers provide essential nectar and its black berries are a favourite food source for birds. A dense layer of ivy creates perfect nesting sites, and its rootlets can attach to walls and fences without additional support.
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Also known as the climbing hydrangea, this plant thrives in partial to full shade, moist, well‑drained soil enriched with organic matter. It is especially effective on north‑ or east‑facing walls where cooler roots remain protected. Once established, it is low‑maintenance: water during dry spells and mulch annually with compost or leaf mould.
Available from Thompson & Morgan
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This evergreen clematis boasts long, leathery, deep‑green leaves that remain intact year‑round. In spring, its white or pale pink flowers—lightly fragranced—create a stunning display. Grow it on a sheltered, north‑ or west‑facing wall and prune only after flowering to maintain a clean, fragrant structure.
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Ideal for milder climates, Clematis cirrhosa can lose leaves in colder winters. It requires a sunny, lightly shaded, well‑drained spot, ideally against a warm wall to shield it from frost and wind. Remove damaged stems after flowering to encourage robust growth.
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As a hardy, vigorous climber, Passiflora caerulea’s striking flowers make it perfect for summer pergolas and fence structures. Plant it in a sunny, sheltered location on a south‑ or west‑facing wall. If the plant is young, protect it from frost during its first winter. Regular pruning of long shoots in early spring helps maintain shape.
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Though it can shed some leaves in winter, Solanum laxum’s delicate white or purple flowers exude a summer‑holiday vibe. It thrives in sunny, sheltered spots with well‑drained, moderately fertile soil. Keep it watered during warm periods to sustain its blooming spectacle.
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Unlike the non‑evergreen true jasmine (Jasminum officinale), Star Jasmine is fully evergreen. Its new growth has a reddish‑bronze hue, and it produces masses of star‑shaped, heavily scented white flowers in summer. Grow it in a sheltered, warm position—south‑ or west‑facing walls are ideal for heat absorption. Once established, it is drought‑tolerant.
A decorative garden obelisk not only adds visual interest but also provides essential structural support for your climbers. Consider our Crocus obelisk with a large rust top ball, or a heavy‑duty plant support available from Amazon.
Whether you choose annual or evergreen climbers, a well‑planned vertical element elevates both aesthetics and functionality in your garden.
