Sometimes we are interested in having a wall covered with 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 climbers; that is, they don’t start to lose their foliage as soon as the weather cools.
But what are those? Normally, the ones that are most resistant to frost are the deciduous ones; now, do not worry because there are also evergreen.
Albanian (Lathyrus latifolius)
Image – Flickr / Andreas Rockstein
The 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 patio or 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 right; that is, if it does not lack water, if it has enough space, and if it is paid from time to time. Withstands cold and frosts down to -18ºC.
Beaumontia (Beaumontia grandiflora)
Image – Wikimedia / PEAK99
The beaumontia or white trumpet is an evergreen climber that, although it withstands the cold, is the most delicate of those that we have selected, since it only supports punctual frosts of up to -2ºC. Of course, it is a beautiful plant, which can reach 5 meters high 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 it would not do it any good either.. It is best to check the humidity of the soil before adding water, for example by inserting a wooden stick.
False jasmine (Solanum jasminoides)
Solano or false jasmine is a perennial climber, 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.so I recommend putting it in common passageways so that you can enjoy that aroma more.
It can be kept in pots or in the garden, and it withstands the cold well. Nor does it fear frosts as long as they are weak and do not drop below -4ºC.
Ivy (Ivy helix)
La ivy is an evergreen climber that, yes, is very common, but if it is, it is because grows fast and does not require much care. In addition, today you can get the small-leaved variety, which does not grow as long (it stays at ten meters or so), and that you can still prune so that it remains 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, because they are inflorescences in the shape of green umbrellas, so they can go unnoticed. Of course, the fruits are black berries that should not be consumed since they are poisonous. Resists up to -18ºC.
Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
Image – Flickr / Cyril Nelson
The Trachelospermum jasminoides It is a climber that receives several names: false jasmine, starry or star jasmine, helix jasmine. It is very similar to jasmine, but it is a plant that is better adapted to climates with cold winters. It can reach a height of 7-10 metersand has dark green leaves.
It blooms in spring, and it does so by producing white flowers of about 2 centimeters, which give off a very pleasant aroma. Withstands frosts down to -12ºC.
Royal Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum)
Image – Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
The royal jasmine or smelly jasmine It is a perennial climbing shrub that reaches up to 7 meters high. Its leaves are green, composed of 5-7 ovate-shaped leaflets. Y its flowers are white, small and very fragrant. They sprout from spring to fall.
It grows very well in all types of gardens, as well as in containers such as pots or window boxes. Withstands frosts down to -6ºC as long as they are of short duration and are given in a timely manner.
Potato (morning glory potatoes)
Image – Flickr / barloventomagico
Although I understand that if you cultivate potatoes you do it to be able to harvest them, you have to know that this is an evergreen climber that produces very pretty lilac flowers. For this reason, I recommend that you have one as an ornamental plant, since you will surely not regret it.
If you have a trellis or an arch for example, this ipomoea will look beautiful, especially during flowering. Resists up to -4ºC.
Passionflower (Passiflora caerulea)
Passiflora caerulea / Image – Wikimedia Commons / Franz van Duns
La blue passionflower it is a perennial climbing plant that resists the cold, in fact, can withstand up to -5ºC. Its growth rate is fast, and it can be about 7 meters tall as long as it has the possibility to climb.
Its leaves are green and its flowers appear from summer to fall. Taking into account that, in addition, it tolerates pruning well, it is possible to have it in a pot.
