Planting around a pergola involves selecting plants that will create a comfortable, inviting atmosphere while also thriving in your garden’s specific conditions. Here are some suggestions for plants to grow around a pergola:
Climbing plants and vines:
a. Climbing roses (Rosa spp.) – a classic choice for pergolas, offering color and fragrance.
b. Passionflower (Passiflora spp.) – an exotic vine with unique, intricate flowers and, in some species, edible fruit.
c. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.) – a tropical vine with colorful, long-lasting bracts.
d. Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) – a vigorous vine with large, trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds.
e. Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) – a fast-growing vine with beautiful fall color.
f. Grapevines (Vitis spp.) – a practical and decorative choice, providing both shade and edible fruit.
Shrubs and small trees:
a. Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.) – a popular flowering shrub with large, showy flowers.
b. Dwarf fruit trees – small trees, like apple, pear, or cherry, can provide both shade and a harvest.
c. Boxwood (Buxus spp.) – an evergreen shrub that can be easily shaped and used for a formal or informal hedge.
d. Ornamental grasses – tall grasses like miscanthus or pampas grass can provide a sense of enclosure and movement.
Perennials:
a. Salvia (Salvia spp.) – a sun-loving perennial with spikes of colorful flowers.
b. Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) – a drought-tolerant perennial with showy, cone-shaped flowers.
c. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) – a tall, drought-tolerant perennial with silvery foliage and lavender flowers.
d. Phlox (Phlox spp.) – a perennial with clusters of fragrant, colorful flowers.
e. Iris (Iris spp.) – a spring-blooming perennial with striking, sword-like foliage and large flowers.
Annuals and bulbs:
a. Petunia (Petunia spp.) – a sun-loving annual with trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors.
b. Geranium (Pelargonium spp.) – a popular annual with rounded clusters of flowers.
c. Gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.) – a summer-blooming bulb with tall spikes of colorful flowers.
d. Zinnia (Zinnia spp.) – a sun-loving annual with large, showy flowers in various colors.
Choose plants that are well-suited to your region and the specific conditions around your pergola (sunlight, soil, and moisture). Combining different types of plants, including climbers, shrubs, perennials, and annuals, can create a visually appealing and dynamic garden space.
