Sometimes we are interested in having a wall covered in leaves throughout the year. Whether it’s because it’s starting to show signs of aging or because we just want it to look green, we need cold hardy perennial climbing plants; that is, they do not begin to shed their foliage as soon as the weather turns cold.
But, What are these? Normally, those that resist frost the best are hardwoods; now don’t worry because there are evergreens too.
Albjana (Lathyrus latifolius)
Image – Flickr/Andreas Rockstein
Albejana is a small evergreen climber, as it does not exceed two meters in height. It is therefore a very interesting plant to have in a pot, for example on a terrace or a balcony. Its stems and leaves are green, while the flowers, which bloom in spring and summer, are a very pretty lilac-pink color.
It grows quite fast, to the point that it can flower the same year it is planted, if the growing conditions are good; that is, if he does not lack water, if he has enough space and if he is paid from time to time. Resists cold and frost down to -18°C.
Beaumontia (Beaumontia grandiflora)
Image – Wikimedia/PEAK99
The beaumontia or white trumpet is a persistent vine which, although resistant to cold, is the most delicate of those we have selected, because it only supports occasional frosts down to -2ºC. Of course, it is a beautiful plant, which can reach 5 meters in height and produces white trumpet-shaped flowers -hence its name- in spring.
It does not tolerate drought, but be careful not to water it excessively because that will not do it any good either.. It is best to check the soil moisture before adding water, for example by inserting a wooden stick.
false jasmine (Solanum jasminoides)
The solano or false jasmine is a climbing perennial, or semi-perennial if the climate is a little cold, which reaches a height of about 6 meters. Its flowers are white and very fragrant.I therefore recommend that you place it in common passages so that you can enjoy this aroma more.
It can be kept in pots or in the garden and tolerates cold well. It is also not afraid of frosts as long as they are weak and do not fall below -4°C.
ivy (hedera propeller)
Ivy is an evergreen vine that, yes, is very common, but if so, it’s because grows fast and does not require much care. In addition, today you can get the small-leaved variety, which grows for less time (it stays about ten meters away), and which you can still prune so that it stays even smaller.
As you know, and if I don’t tell you now, it has green or variegated (green and white) leaves. Its flowers have little ornamental value, since they are inflorescences in the form of green umbrellas, so they can go unnoticed. Of course, the fruits are black berries that should not be eaten because they are poisonous. It resists down to -18ºC.
Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
Image – Flickr/Cyril Nelson
The Trachelospermum jasminoides It is a climbing plant that receives several names: false jasmine, star or star jasmine, helix jasmine. It looks a lot like jasmine, but it is a plant better suited to climates with cold winters. It can reach a height of 7 to 10 metersand has dark green leaves.
It blooms in the spring, and it does so by producing white flowers of about 2 centimeters, which give off a very pleasant aroma. Frost resistant down to -12°C.
Royal Jasmine (Jasmine grandiflorum)
Image – Wikimedia/Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata
The royal jasmine or fragrant jasmine is a perennial climbing shrub that can reach 7 meters in height. Its leaves are green, composed of 5 to 7 oval leaflets. Yes its flowers are white, small and very fragrant. They grow from spring to fall.
It grows very well in all types of gardens, as well as in containers such as pots or planters. Frost resistant down to -6°C as long as they are of short duration and are given in a timely manner.
Potato (Ipomoea batatas)
Image – Flickr/barloventomagico
While I understand that if you grow potatoes you do it so you can harvest them, you should know that it is an evergreen vine that produces very pretty lilac flowers. For this reason, I recommend that you have one as an ornamental plant, because you will surely not regret it.
If you have a trellis or an arch for example, this ipomoea will look great, especially when flowering. Resistant down to -4ºC.
Passion Flower (passionflower caerulea)
Passiflora caerulea // Image – Wikimedia/Franz van Duns
The blue passionflower is a perennial climbing plant that resists the cold, in fact, can withstand down to -5°C. Its growth rate is fast and it can be around 7 meters tall as long as it has the ability to climb.
Its leaves are green and its flowers appear from summer to autumn. Knowing that in addition it supports the size well, it is possible to have it in a pot.