Gardens: Top 10 climbers

Parthenocissus tricuspidata Boston ivy (above) clings by pads on the tips of its tendrils. The variety ‘Lowii’ is a cut above the usual form of Boston ivy, with slightly crisped, green leaves in spring and summer, turning rich crimson and orange in autumn. Height 4m-plus. Grow it Best on trunks of tall trees, or tall walls, in any reasonable soil. Perryhill Nurseries
Photograph: Alamy

Ercilla volubilis Uncommon but easy, with masses of short, fluffy spikes of purplish, scented flowers in late winter and early spring that almost obscure the small, leathery foliage. Height 6m. Grow it On a sunny, partially shaded or east-facing wall, in any good soil. Walled Garden Nursery Photograph: Gap

Schizophragma hydrangeoides ‘Moonlight’ White lacecap summer flowers are backed by slightly silvery green foliage with darker veins, and all carried on reddish stems. One of the better climbers in dry shade. Height 8m. Grow it Best on a tree trunk, or any wall, needing only reasonable soil. Cotswold Garden Flowers Photograph: Gap

Decumaria sinsensis An evergreen relative of the climbing hydrangea, with masses of dense heads of green-tinted, honey-scented white flowers in late spring and early summer over small, dark, glossy leaves. Good cover for birds’ nests. Not often seen, but easy to grow. Height 5m. Grow it On a sunny or partially shaded wall, in any good soil. Crûg Farm Plants Photograph: Graham Elkington/Garden World Images

Euonymus fortunei ‘Silver Queen’ The best of the euonymus that climb like ivies, the cream edges of the dark green leaves bring light to inhospitable places. Grows in dry shade, but slower than ivy, and may need tying in at first. Height 2m. Grow it On a shady wall or fence, in any reasonable soil. Hillier Garden Centres Photograph: Alamy

Hedera colchica ’Dentata Variegata’ Bold, large-leaved ivy with folded green leaves edged in cream at first, becoming white, and patterned in grey between the green and the white. Flowers in autumn, and black fruits, too. Height 3m. Grow it On a shady or part shady wall, in any reasonable soil. Holden Clough Nursery Photograph: Alamy

Campsis radicans Vigorous, exotic-looking plant that needs pruning hard in spring to keep it under control. 'Flamenco' has vivid yellow trumpets tinted red from mid-summer into autumn, and glossy foliage with yellow autumn colour. Height 6m. Grow it On a sunny wall, in rich, well-drained soil. Urban Jungle Photograph: Alamy

Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris ‘Mirranda’ Variegated improvement on the climbing hydrangea, Hydrangea petiolaris (pictured above). White lacecap flowers in early summer, plus fresh-looking, green leaves edged in cream and yellow from spring to autumn. Can be a slow starter. Height 15m. Grow it Ideal on a tree trunk or a wall, out of hot sun. Burncoose Nurseries Photograph: Alamy

Macfadyena unguis-cati Evergreen for cosy warm walls or conservatories. Bright yellow spring flowers are followed by 30cm-long bean-like pods. Height 5m. Grow it In well-drained soil on a sunny, sheltered wall. Roseland House Photograph: Alamy

Pileostegia viburnoides Evergreen hydrangea relative that clings like ivy. Its broad, creamy cones of flowers are valuable in late summer and autumn set against the narrow leaves. Height 6m. Grow it On walls and tree trunks, sun or shade, in any reasonable soil. Hopleys Plants Photograph: Gap