35 Best Vines For Containers | Climbing Plants For Pots

Add a vertical touch to your garden by growing Climbing Plants in Pots. These 35 Best Vines for Containers are perfect for both small and big gardens!

Discover the ultimate selection of compact vines perfect for container gardening. Transform your outdoor space, whether it’s a small patio, balcony, rooftop, or backyard, into a lush oasis by growing these versatile and low-maintenance plants in pots. Not only will you enjoy their beauty, but you’ll also benefit from containing their growth and preventing unwanted spread.

Check out some cool Indoor Vines & Climbers here

Best Vines for Containers

English Ivy

Hedera helix, commonly known as English ivy, thrives in USDA zones 4-10. This versatile climber is a top contender for containers in shaded areas, making it an ideal choice for gardening newbies. As a testament to its adaptability, English ivy can be grown indoors, with guidance found in this article. Notably, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. For those looking to explore different varieties of English ivy, look no further than this comprehensive guide.

Morning Glory

Ipomoea purpurea, a perennial vine that thrives in USDA zones 3-11, can be grown as an annual in all climates. This charming morning glory is a top choice for containers, boasting easy growth and remarkable hardiness even in small spaces like 12-inch pots. With its old-fashioned charm, this creeper or vine is a delight to grow and maintain.

Clematis

Clematis, a versatile and striking addition to any container garden, can be grown in USDA zones 4-9. To maximize its potential, it’s essential to provide regular fertilization and thorough, deep watering. With proper care, this plant will thrive and add a pop of interest to your outdoor space. For inspiration on the best clematis varieties to grow, check out our curated list!

Additionally, if you’re new to growing clematis in pots, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide that’ll take you from novice to pro.

Virginia Creeper

The Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a versatile and attractive plant that thrives in USDA zones 4-9. One of its standout features is its stunning crimson red foliage, which emerges during the autumn season. This hardy climber can be trained to grow up walls or trellises, providing a natural screen for privacy. Furthermore, it’s also suitable for container cultivation, making it an excellent choice for balconies and small outdoor spaces.

With its adaptability and vibrant fall color, the Virginia Creeper is a great addition to any garden or outdoor area seeking a pop of autumnal charm.

Climbing Hydrangea

The botanical name of this plant species is Hydrangea anomala petiolaris. For those who reside within USDA zones 4-9, climbing hydrangea is an excellent choice. Its ability to thrive in shade-tolerant environments makes it perfect for growing in partially shaded spots.

Trumpet Vine

The thompson-morgan trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) thrives in USDA Zones 4-10. Despite being considered a weed due to its invasive nature, this fast-growing vine is well-suited for warm temperate zones. However, it’s surprisingly adaptable and can flourish in cooler regions as well, making it a versatile option for gardeners.

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea, botanically speaking, is a climbing shrub rather than a vine. While its natural inclination is to climb, it can also thrive as an annual in container gardens, bringing a touch of tropical flair to your outdoor space. To coax the best out of this plant, provide it with full sun and medium to large pots. For more on low-maintenance plants that can survive dry spells, check out our list of top drought-tolerant options.

Honeysuckle

The botanical name for this species is Lonicera, which thrives in USDA zones 5-9. One notable characteristic of most honeysuckle varieties is their evergreen nature, particularly in warmer climates. When cultivating honeysuckle in containers, ensure it receives full sun and maintain regular watering schedules.

Wisteria

Wisteria, with its botanical name being Wisteria, thrives in USDA zones 5-9, making it one of the most sought-after vines for gardeners. While this climbing plant generally excels in moderately cool climates, with some careful planning and support, you can successfully cultivate it in a large container, providing ample space for it to grow.

Common Jasmine

The botanical name of this beautiful flowering plant is Jasminum officinale, which falls within USDA hardiness zones 7-11. With its adaptability to thrive in containers and requirement of well-draining soil and warmth, jasmine is a great option for gardeners looking to add some fragrance to their outdoor spaces. In cooler climates, the most fragrant flower typically blooms during the summer months, but in warm and frost-free climates, it produces flowers almost year-round.

Confederate Jasmine

Trachelospermum jasminoides, commonly known as the Star Jasmine, is a tropical plant that thrives in USDA zones 8-10. Like other jasmine species, it has a strong affinity for warm climates and direct sunlight. The plant’s most striking feature is its clusters of star-shaped flowers, which add a touch of elegance to any garden setting.

Climbing Rose

The ‘Davida Austin Roses’ plant, scientifically known as Rosa, thrives in USDA zones 5-11. One of its most notable features is its profuse blooming habit, with many varieties boasting a sweet, rosy fragrance. To maintain the plant’s attractive appearance, regular pruning is essential.

Mandevilla

Mandevilla, classified under the botanical name Mandevilla spp., is a heat-loving plant that thrives in USDA Zones 10-11. A defining characteristic of this species is its showy funnel-shaped flowers, which bloom throughout the summer months. Although it’s most comfortable in warm climates, gardeners in cooler zones can still cultivate it as an annual, providing the necessary conditions for its growth.

Cup and Saucer Vine

The cobaea scandens, also known as cup and saucer vine, is a rapid-growing flowering plant that hails from Mexico. With its profuse blooming habit, it demands an ideal location with ample brightness to thrive.

Passion Flower

The passionflower (Passiflora) is a unique and captivating plant that thrives in USDA zones 5-11. For those seeking an air of exoticism and extraordinary blooms, this species is an ideal choice. To coax optimal growth from your passionflower, be sure to provide it with sufficient sunlight.

Black-Eyed Susan Vine

Thunbergia alata, also known as the Black-eyed Susan, is a perennial vine that thrives in frost-free regions with USDA zones ranging from 10-11. To cultivate this stunning plant, it’s essential to provide it with a sunny spot and a sturdy trellis for support. As an added bonus, Thunbergia alata is perfect for container gardens seeking a vibrant display of flowers while maintaining privacy.

Dutchman’s Pipe

For a unique addition to your container garden, consider planting Aristolochia durior, commonly known as the Dutchman’s pipe. This intriguing species boasts heart-shaped leaves that add visual appeal even when it’s not in bloom. With a hardiness range spanning USDA zones 4-10, this plant is suitable for many climates.

Butterfly Pea

Butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) thrives in the tropics, specifically in USDA Zones 10 and 11. If you’re in a cooler temperate region, consider cultivating it as an annual instead of a perennial.

Moonflower

Ipomoea alba, also known as Moonflower, is a captivating night-blooming plant that produces large, trumpet-shaped blooms with an intoxicating fragrance. To fully appreciate its sweet aroma, position the pot near your outdoor seating area or bedroom window for optimal enjoyment.

Snapdragon Vine

The botanical identity of this impressive climber is Maurandya scandens, while its hardiness range falls within USDA Zones 9-10. This versatile vine can thrive in various settings, including hanging baskets or as a groundcover. However, it’s worth noting that Maurandya scandens tends to flourish best in warm climates and is often cultivated as an annual in temperate regions due to the cooler temperatures.

Canary Creeper

Tropaeolum peregrinum, commonly known as the canary creeper, boasts a remarkable flowering season that spans from summer through fall. In ideal climates, this ornamental plant can even continue to bloom year-round in warm subtropical regions, specifically within USDA Zones 9-11, where it flourishes as a perennial.

Sweet Pea

Lathyrus odoratus, the botanical name for sweet peas, thrives in USDA Zones 3-8. For optimal growth, plant this fragrant vine in warm zones during fall and winter. In temperate climates, spring or summer is the ideal time to cultivate sweet peas. If you’re growing them in containers, it’s recommended to choose bush-type varieties that are better suited for small spaces.

Sweet Autumn Clematis

Clematis terniflora, a type of sweet autumn clematis vine, is renowned for its intoxicating fragrance that fills the air from late summer to fall. One of its most attractive features is its ability to thrive in a wide range of climates, specifically USDA Zones 4-11. This hardy vine can be grown as either an annual or perennial, making it a versatile addition to any garden, regardless of whether you reside in a cooler or warmer region.

Snail Vine

The botanical name of this stunning tropical vine is Cochliasanthus caracalla, which thrives in USDA zones 9-11. Its unique charm lies in its rare, snail-like flowers that release a captivating fragrance. Initially white, these blooms gradually unfurl to reveal a beautiful lavender-pink hue.

Cardinal Climber

Ipomoea × multifida is a stunning annual vine that boasts striking cardinal-red flowers and delicate, fern-like foliage. While it thrives in USDA zones 10-12, it can also be grown as an annual in colder climates. This versatile plant has the unique ability to open its blooms during the day and retract them at night, adding an extra layer of charm to its already impressive display.

Common Grape Vine

The botanical name of this plant is Vitis vinifera. This species thrives in USDA zones 6-11. Originating from Southwest Asia, it’s renowned for its delectable fruits that can be savored fresh, dried into succulent raisins, or fermented into wine. To cultivate this vine, choose a location bathed in sunshine and ensure the soil drains well, allowing for optimal growth.

Boston Ivy

Parthenocissus tricuspidata is a show-stopping climbing vine that boasts vibrant foliage and is surprisingly simple to cultivate. With a hardiness range spanning USDA Zones 4-8, this versatile plant thrives in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and excels in dry to medium, well-draining soil types.

Mexican Flame Vine

Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides, a rapid-growing annual vine, boasts an abundance of daisy-like blooms that burst forth with vibrant enthusiasm. Thriving in USDA zones 9a-11b, this sun-loving and water-dependent beauty flourishes when provided with optimal growing conditions.

Purple Bell Vine

The Rhodochiton atrosanguineus is a stunning vine that can add a touch of elegance to any container garden. Its botanical name is often overlooked, but it’s worth noting that this plant thrives in USDA zones 10-11. One of its most striking features is the deep purple, heart-shaped blooms that dangle delicately from thread-like stems. The foliage, comprised of heart-shaped green leaves, provides a beautiful backdrop for these showy flowers.

Nepal Ivy

Hedera nepalensis, also known as Nepal ivy, is a versatile and attractive perennial vine that thrives in USDA zones 7-10. Characterized by its woody stems and evergreen foliage, this trailing plant showcases lacy, gray-green leaves with a heart-shaped morphology. It can flourish in deep shade to full sun, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of environments.

Cypress Vine

Ipomoea quamoclit, a stunning flowering vine, thrives in USDA zones 11-12. Its delicate, star-shaped blooms, available in red, pink, or white hues, are accompanied by fern-like leaves with a feathery texture. To coax the best from this beauty, plant it in well-draining soil and provide full sun exposure.

Sky Blue Cluster Vine

The Jacquemontia pentanthos, also known as the sky blue cluster vine, is a perennial native to Florida that thrives in USDA zones 9-11. This evergreen climber can be planted in a variety of light conditions, ranging from partial shade to full sun. Its green foliage and funnel-shaped flowers, which bloom in a vibrant sky blue, add a touch of beauty to any landscape.

Bluebell Creeper

The botanical name for this unique plant is Billardiera heterophylla, which thrives in USDA Zones 10-11. To cultivate it successfully, choose a spot with partial shade and well-draining, rich soil that’s high in humus. This semi-hardy, climbing evergreen vine is perfect for producing vibrant blooms from spring to summer.

Pandora Vine

Pandorea jasminoides, known for its rapid growth and stunning floral displays, thrives in USDA zones 9-11. As the seasons change, this charming vine produces clusters of tubular pink-white blooms that add a pop of color to any outdoor space. When grown in full sun, Pandorea jasminoides makes a perfect addition to patios or porches, especially when planted in containers that allow for easy movement and flexibility.

Tropical Bleeding Heart Vine

The Clerodendrum thomsoniae is a tropical vine that is often referred to as the Bleeding Heart Vine, Bleeding Glory Bower, Bag Flower, or simply Glory Bower. As its common names suggest, this plant produces striking blooms that resemble drops of red blood oozing from the calyx, which has a heart-shaped appearance. Interestingly, it’s possible to cultivate this vine as an annual in regions with USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11, making it a versatile option for gardeners in these areas.