The front of my house boasts an expansive trellis awaiting the embrace of scented evergreen climbers. Tasked with ensuring year-round privacy, this replaces a dominating leylandii hedge, opening up opportunities for vibrant, fragrant, and wildlife-friendly plants.
In the last quarter, I’ve dedicated my efforts to curating a comprehensive list of climbers meticulously chosen for their suitability to create an evergreen and sweet-scented screen—an aesthetic delight that not only serves as a pleasant gesture for neighbours but also promises year-round interest. These carefully selected climbers go beyond merely adding greenery; they contribute a touch of fragrance and visual appeal in every season, ensuring a dynamic and inviting atmosphere in your outdoor space throughout the year.
Tip: Climbers prove to be the perfect remedy for garden areas with limited horizontal space. Unlike conventional hedgerows, evergreen climbing plants are remarkably easy to maintain. They effortlessly envelop trellises or pagodas, adhering to their structure without excessive vertical growth.
Scented evergreen climbers to try
Presented below are the evergreen climbers with delightful fragrances currently featured on my shortlist:
Clematis ‘Fragrant Oberon’
- Size: 1.5 metres
- Flowering: March, April, and May
- Position: Sun or semi-shade
- Hardiness: -7ºC
- Description: Powerfully and sweetly perfumed, the pretty satin flowers of Clematis ‘Fragrant Oberon’ are lemon-white with a hint of green and look stunning set against the dark foliage of this evergreen clematis. Due to its popularity, this plant is currently in high demand.
Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine)
- Size: Height: 9m – Spread: 3m
- Flowering: June, July, and August
- Position: Sun or semi-shade
- Hardiness: Protect in winter in cold areas
- Description: An elegant climber, bearing thousands of pure white, star-shaped flowers on twining woody stems throughout summer. The glossy, evergreen foliage of star jasmine forms the perfect backdrop for its dramatic blooms, which perfume the air with a sweet and irresistible fragrance.
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle)
- Size: up to 5 metres
- Flowering: Spring to late summer
- Position: Best in light shade
- Hardiness: Fully hardy climber
- Description: The honeysuckle creates a stunning effect, creeping and climbing wherever you plant it. Plant and train them against a structure or something similar to provide an abundance of colour. This variety offers large, stunning rose, pink and white fragrant flowers.
Akebia quinata chocolate vine
- Size: Spread 2m, height 10m
- Flowering: March to May
- Position: Sun or partial shade
- Hardiness: Fully hardy climber
- Description: Unusual chocolate-maroon spicy vanilla-scented flowers beneath palmate evergreen leaves.
Closing thoughts on the topic of Evergreen Climbers
I take pleasure in creating an eclectic blend within my collection of evergreen climbers, where each plant has the opportunity to intertwine with other varieties. The synergy of scents and the continuous display of greenery throughout the year form a harmonious tapestry in my garden. However, it’s essential to note that the growth rates among these evergreen climbers can vary significantly. To foster a balanced and visually appealing display, diligent research is paramount. Allocate ample space to the more vigorous climbers, allowing them the freedom to ramble expansively, while giving the more modest plants the consideration they need to flourish in their unique way. This thoughtful approach ensures that each evergreen climber thrives harmoniously, contributing to an enchanting and well-balanced garden. I suppose what I am actually saying is; keep an eye on them and treat them well.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also be interested in reading my other piece on “Winter Flowering Climbers“. Also, while you are at it, pop over to the Gardener’s World website to learn even more on this topic.
Can you help me? I have planted this Spring a Lonicera Darts World.
It has grown against an arch and is already 6ft tall, however,
Not one flower. What can I do?
Thank you,
Fred.
Don’t worry, Lonicera can be a tempramental climber. It will grow/flower when it chooses. You might find next year it will be covered in flowers! To get the most out of your honey suckle next year, feed it from March till September with Tomorite normal strength.
Need a fragrant evergreen climber to grow against a wall. Also a smaller one to cover an obelisk. Help please! Many thanks
Hi Jennifer,
My apologies for the delay in replying. You could go Honeysuckle, or Star Jasmine.
Best regards, James