QI’ve got a new seating area with a pergola in my garden.
I’d like to grow some fragrant climbers over the pergola. What would you recommend I try?
Mariam
AHoneysuckle is a great scented climber and a fast grower too.
I would recommend planting two varieties – early Dutch honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum ‘Belgica’) and late Dutch honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina’).
Their staggered flowering times mean your pergola will be covered with sweet-scented flowers from May until September. They also have great foliage.
Or try fragrant jasmine. It should be labelled Jasminum officianale. This is an attractive climber with lots of foliage and perfumed white flowers. Plus, it was recently named as the plant that makes us feel happiest!
Here’s a quick guide to planting and pruning climbers, but make sure to follow the specific instructions on the label.
David Domoney is a Chartered Horticulturalist, Broadcaster, and Author. David has worked with a number of the UK’s leading garden retailers as a plant buyer and strategic consultant. With more than 30 years experience, in horticulture, David is as passionate about plants now as he was when he bought his first plant at a village fete.
I can’t believe I hadn’t thought about growing something like this over my pergola. I love the smell of jasmine so that would be perfect! I’ll have to see if I can get ahold of some! Thanks for sharing this.