What Plants Can I Grow on My Trellis?
To decide which plants will do best on what kind of trellis, you need to narrow down its use.
If your trellis' primary goal is to be merely decorative, you won't need to train vegetables to increase your yield.
Arch and tripod trellises allow you to shape garden plants such as japonica or passionflower to build romantic outdoor spaces and craft topiaries from laurel and boxwood.
On the other hand, if you want your trellis to frame your outdoor space or screen a patio from view, you will need a plant that has a lot of leaves such as monstera or grapevines, or dense flowering plants such as climbing roses.
If you are placing the trellis outside a window, opt for a more fragrant plant, like jasmine, so the aroma drifts into the house. Fan trellises are excellent for flowering perennials, as the spread ribs at the top help show off blossoms to the best advantage.
Ladder trellises are excellent in vegetable gardens as the plants will climb up both sides, doubling your garden output. Tomatoes and nasturtium do exceptionally well on a ladder or A-frame trellis.
Which is the Best Material for a Trellis?
Once you have decided on the style and function of your trellis, the next thing to consider is the best material to choose that encourages plant growth and coordinates with the style of your outdoor décor.
Make sure wooden trellises are treated with weather-proof stain so it won't rot. Metal is an excellent material for trellises as it is sturdy and won't corrode easily, but keep in mind that some plants prefer wood to metal. You can also get trellises made of vinyl, which is more durable than metal and wood and weather resistant.
Copper tubing is another sturdy option and develops a lovely blue patina in the elements which can add a rustic style to your outdoor space.
When you're training your plants to grow up a trellis, never use metal clamps or plastic ties. Opt for natural fibers like twine as the artificial fasteners can inhibit the growth of the plant.
Use furring strips to attach your trellis to a wall to allow for more air circulation for your plants, easy maintenance, and quick removal.