Garden Q&A: What climbing plants work best on a wooden pergola?

'The main criteria would be plants that are pollinator-friendly and low-maintenance, with bonus points for some nice scent'

Climbing plants are perfect for a pergola but all climbing plants will benefit from being cut back annually, writes Peter Dowdall. File picture

Question

I'd like to erect a wooden pergola, three feet wide, in a fairly sunny spot at the end of my garden. I may be too late for this year, but do you have any recommendations for a mix of climbing plants for it? The main criteria would be pollinator-friendly and low maintenance, with bonus points for some nice scent.

Answer

My quick answer is that climbing plants and low-maintenance do not go hand in hand, as all climbing plants are quite vigorous, meaning that they will all benefit from being cut back annually. 

If you’re happy to take on that much, then, for a sunny pergola, I would suggest mixing a few different climbers rather than relying on just one. This gives a longer season of interest, supports a wider range of pollinators and creates a more natural look.

For scent, choose a climbing rose such as Rosa 'Gertrude Jekyll' or 'Madame Alfred Carrière'. 

Add a native honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum varieties) for evening fragrance and excellent pollinator value. 

A clematis such as Clematis viticella provides colour through summer and is easy to manage with a simple annual cutback.

Container-grown climbers can be planted now, provided they are kept watered during dry spells. 

A mulch around the base will help reduce maintenance and conserve moisture.

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