1: Golden hop (main image)
Type: Deciduous climber
Height x Spread: 6m x 2m
Hardiness: H6 (UK); USDA 3-8
What is the most cheerful fast climber? Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus’ AGM (Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit) never fails to raise a smile, quickly cladding a large area in big, bold lime-yellow leaves that blaze butterscotch in autumn. Its cone flowers in August are followed by attractive hops.
Is it good for wildlife? Yes, it’s a food plant for comma butterfly caterpillars and some moth larvae, but toxic to pets (dogs) if eaten.
Best site: Sheltered full sun; moist, well-drained soil.
Pruning: Cut back hard in autumn. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling, as hops are a skin irritant and allergen.
2: Star jasmine
Type: Evergreen climber
H x S: 6m x 3m
Hardiness: H4 (UK); USDA 8-10
What is a stylish fast climber for my city garden? Trachelospermum jasminoides AGM has sleek, glossy green leaves that blush red and bronze in winter and jasmine-like white summer flowers that exude a gorgeous sweet vanilla tea scent.
Is it vigorous? In warm regions, it can grow quickly; elsewhere, it’s worth buying a larger plant to speed coverage.
Best site: Sheltered sun or part shade; well-drained, fertile soil.
Pruning: Prune in spring, if necessary.
3: Chocolate vine
Type: Semi-evergreen climber
H x S: 9m x 2m
Hardiness: H6 (UK); USDA 5-8
What is a fast climber that the neighbours won’t have? Akebia quinata isn’t widely grown, yet it’s a fabulous climber with apple-green leaves and maroon spring flowers that smell of spiced vanilla. You might wish your neighbours had one because, in warm areas, cross-pollination results in purple fruit.
Is it invasive? Although well-behaved in the UK, chocolate vine is listed as an invasive plant in some USA states, where it ought to be prevented from spreading.
Best site: Well-drained, moist, fertile soil in sun.
Pruning: Prune as required to control size after flowering.
4: Himalayan clematis
Type: Deciduous climber
H x S: 12m x 3m
Hardiness: H5 (UK); USDA 6-9
Which fast climber gets very big? Clematis ‘Mayleen’ AGM reaches mountainous proportions, making it perfect for a long fence. In May and June, the green-bronze foliage is paired with ballet-pink flowers that smell of vanilla and cloves. Clematis is harmful to pets (rabbits) if eaten.
What does it look like in winter? Once the leaves fall, the attractive woody tangle of stems, in which birds often nest, is on show.
Best site: Well-drained, moist neutral to alkaline soil in sun or part shade.
Pruning: Prune after flowering, if necessary. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling, as it’s a skin irritant.
5: Ivy
Type: Self-clinging evergreen climber
H x S: 5-10m x 3m
Hardiness: H5 (UK); USDA 6-9
Which fast climber attracts garden birds? Ivy (Hedera) provides year-round shelter and nesting sites for small birds. Once mature, it also provides nutritious winter berries for winter thrushes and other birds. Ivy is harmful to pets and people if eaten.
What is the best type of ivy? Check with your local authority. For instance, Hedera helix is an excellent fast climber in the UK, but classed as invasive in parts of the USA. Some ivy varieties, such as Hedera helix ‘White Wonder’, are ideal for hanging baskets and even house plants.
Best site: Well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in part shade.
Pruning: Trim in late winter, if necessary. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling, as ivy is a skin irritant and allergen.
