Fragrant Climbing Shrubs: Native Beauties for Every Garden

by Sammy Taylor – February 11, 2025

The Allure of Fragrant Climbing Shrubs 

Fragrant climbing shrubs combine practicality with aesthetic value to create sensory landscapes filled with pleasing smells and remarkable foliage. These climbing shrubs use vertical space differently compared to ground-covering shrubs by being perfect for trellises, pergolas, fences, and arbors. These shrubs deliver two benefits: concealing unattractive structures and releasing exquisite fragrances that draw pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Native fragrant climbing shrubs stand out due to their ability to thrive in existing climate conditions and various soil types. Local evolution allows native fragrant climbing shrubs to thrive with minimal maintenance needs compared to non-native species while offering better disease and pest resistance. Numerous shrubs exhibit seasonal flowering, allowing their captivating scents to be appreciated throughout the year. Certain varieties provide additional beauty through colorful berries, distinctive foliage, and brilliant fall hues.

Climbing shrubs display diverse growth patterns, including Dy vines and bushy plants that can be vertically shaped. Shrubs maintain their foliage throughout the year to provide structure and privacy, while deciduous shrubs lose their leaves during winter and produce stunning flowers during spring and summer. These plants possess fragrance profiles that vary from sweet and floral to spicy and exotic, allowing them to serve as a versatile garden feature.

Native Fragrant Climbing Shrubs for Your Garden 

Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) stands out as a cherished climbing shrub native to the southeastern United States with evergreen foliage. This robust climber emerges in early spring with clusters of bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers emitting a sweet honey-like fragrance. This plant flourishes in both full sunlight and partial shade and requires minimal care after reaching maturity. The plant offers continuous visual appeal through its shiny foliage, while its fast-growing nature makes it ideal for covering fences or trellises.

Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) stands out as an impressive native climbing plant with vibrant tubular flowers ranging from deep red to orange. Unlike invasive non-native species, this honeysuckle variety stays well-behaved while attracting hummingbirds that flock to its sweet nectar. The gentle fragrance of this plant stands out during early morning hours and late evening twilight to establish a serene atmosphere throughout gardens. You can train Coral honeysuckle to climb structures such as arbors, fences, or pergolas, and it grows well in multiple soil conditions.

Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora) is an excellent choice for people who prefer white-flowering plants. During late summer through early fall, this native clematis plant covers itself with small white flowers emitting a vanilla fragrance. This plant demonstrates high adaptability because it thrives in both sunny and partially shaded environments, perfect for concealing unattractive fences and creating aromatic living walls. The plant develops eye-catching seed heads after its flowering period, providing winter interest to gardens.

Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata) is a semi-evergreen native climber that displays delicate trumpet-shaped flowers in red, orange, and yellow hues. The plant begins to bloom during early spring when its citrus-like fragrance becomes most prominent on warm days. The Crossvine plant grows rapidly and can cover arbors and fences efficiently, providing visual beauty and a pleasant scent. This climbing plant adapts to different levels of sunlight, which allows it to thrive in multiple landscape settings.

The native American Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) features cascading lavender or bluish-purple flower clusters that bloom during late spring to early summer. American wisteria remains less aggressive than Asian varieties and does not spread uncontrollably over structures or nearby vegetation. The grape-like scent of its flowers becomes exceptionally strong on warm afternoons and transforms the garden into a captivating retreat. Perennial American wisteria makes an excellent pergola plant with stunning blossoms that cascade to produce a magical fairy-tale appearance.

Enhancing Your Garden with Fragrant Climbing Shrubs 

Adding fragrant climbing shrubs to your garden creates more than visual beauty because these plants establish a living, breathing sanctuary that engages your senses. The design possibilities for these plants vary based on your space and aesthetic choices. These plants help soften building edges, while other uses provide fence privacy and create pergola and archway-shaded walkways.

To fully utilize these shrubs, you need to understand the growing requirements. Well-drained soil works best for most climbing shrubs, but it can adapt to heavier soils when added to organic amendments. Crossvine and sweet autumn clematis can grow successfully in partial shade, even though most climbing shrubs require full sunlight. A strong support structure is necessary when planting because certain climbing plants develop significant weight as they grow.

Maintaining fragrant climbing shrubs requires regular pruning. Pruning regularly promotes healthy plant growth, eliminating dead and weak stems, and helps shape plants within designated spaces. Pruning American wisteria right after flower display leads to enhanced bloom production in the next growing season. Light pruning during the growing season helps coral honeysuckles maintain neatness and produce flowers continuously.

When gardeners combine various native fragrant climbing shrubs of different heights, they create multiple layers, which ensures flowering and fragrance continue throughout the year. The combination of Carolina jessamine and sweet autumn clematis creates an extended floral season. Their blooms appear in early spring and late fall, respectively, maintaining a fragrant garden from start to finish. Year-round interest and structural integrity in gardens can be achieved by combining climbing plants with evergreen foliage like crossvine.

Native fragrant climbing shrubs benefit gardeners and the local ecosystem. They deliver essential resources by supplying nectar and food and sheltering native pollinators and birds. These plants live peacefully alongside local species to create a sustainable environment. Gardeners who select native climbing plants can enjoy their fragrant beauty while helping to sustain biodiversity.

Fragrant climbing shrubs transform simple gardens into remarkable retreats without much effort. Every garden style matches native species, such as the cascade of American wisteria on pergolas, hummingbird-attracting coral honeysuckle, and trumpet vine with its citrus-scented flowers. When maintained correctly, these shrubs become indispensable outdoor elements that deliver beauty and fragrance alongside ecological advantages.

Products from the article

Pink Tatarian Honeysuckle - TN Nursery

Pink Tatarian Honeysuckle

Pink Tatarian Honeysuckle - Lonicera Tatarica Pink Tatarian Honeysuckle is a deciduous shrub known for its fragrant, rosy, reddish tubular flowers and green foliage. These features make it a highly sought-after shrub. Lonicera tatarica, are densely branched, deciduous shrubs that can grow up to 12 feet long. When the stems are still young, they often appear light brown and slightly hairy. However, they'll grow out of this phase and eventually produce peeling shaggy bark. Of course, you won't see their bark once these shrubs grow, as they'll be covered by greenery and gorgeous rose flowers. Pink Tatarian Honeysuckle Has Stunning Flowers These irregular flowers grow in pairs and come forth on almost all first-year branches. They're known for being colored like their namesake, but they'll occasionally be white or rosy. Regardless of their exact color, it is known to be a fragrant flower that will enhance your enjoyment. They have two lips and will grow up to an inch long. The bottom lip will be slightly more significant than the top, providing visual interest. Pink Tatarian Honeysuckle Has Exotic Leaves They have opposite leaves that will grow up to 2-1/2 inches long. They will either be oblong or more egg-shaped, primarily smooth and hairless. Their widest point is the middle section. At their base, they can resemble a heart shape; then, they'll become pointed or blunt at the tip. They do not have any teeth on the edges, which helps complete their smooth appearance. There will be orange to red berries that appear later in the season. Each of these will also come in pairs, containing several seeds each. This fruit attracts a wide variety of birds. Because of this, the plant can widely spread its seeds without having to do a single thing! Create A Wildlife Hotel With This Stunning Shrub You already know birds are attracted to it, but that's just the beginning. Due to how much nectar they produce, they'll also attract the Elephant Hawkmoth, who will catch the bats' attention. When new shoots appear, they'll bring in the blackfly, leading to even more birds. Additionally, squirrels love to eat their berries. Therefore, if you've been looking for a gorgeous plant that smells wonderful and will bring in all types of wildlife, you've found it! How do you take care of this plant? Plant it in well-drained soils and give it some water during dry weather. Trim it after it has bloomed to keep its size contained and to stimulate the growth of new blooms; use a balanced natural fertilizer when the plants are budding in the early spring. Does it like direct sunlight? It thrives in full sunlight, so to stun visitors with a burst of bright colors, ensure the plants are exposed to bright sunlight. Nevertheless, it is partially shade-tolerant, though it can have more limited flowering, depending on its lack of direct sunlight.  Can you take cuttings from it?  Yes, it grows nicely from cuttings. You can collect semi-hardwood cuttings in late spring or early summer and trim them to carry a few leaves each; the soil should be well drained in order to encourage root formation.  Can I root them in water?  Even though it can be propagated in water, this is perhaps one of the most risky techniques. Sprouting in damp soil or a propagation mix normally produces better germination and more superior root system.  How fast does it grow?  Pink Tatarian Honeysuckle is a medium-sized shrub that grows up to 1 to 2 feet each year, provided that it is well irrigated. Owing to its dense foliage, you can use it as privacy walls or as hedges.
From $19.98
From $19.98
Wisteria Plant- TN Nursery

Climbing Wisteria

Climbing Wisteria Plant  Wisteria is a stunningly easy-to-plant flowering plant; it is perfect for turning any space with fences, pergolas, or trellises into stunning centerpieces. Our TN Nursery gives you healthy, well-trained plants that tolerate a range of differing environments. Grow Wisteria In A Full-Sunny Area   When planted, this plant doesn’t require much attention beyond pruning now and again to keep it straight and allow more flowers to pop. Vibrant Blooms and Lush Foliage The petals of it descend in tufts of sweet, pea-like flowers that are lavender, violet, or white, depending on the variety. Wisteria Has Stunning Flowers That Smell Like Cotton Candy Starting from late spring to early summer, creating a spectacular show. They can bloom for four to six weeks, giving you a longer view of beauty. Their tall green leaves complement their sophisticated flowers and provide excellent coverage in the growing season. Life Cycle and Longevity Of This Perennial This beautiful vining plant is an evergreen plant that swells year after year, providing homeowners with decades of beauty. They can last 50 years and, given proper maintenance, are aesthetically stunning with age. As a deciduous shrub, its leaves are golden yellow in autumn and shed for winter storage ahead of the next blooming season. Garden Star at TN Nursery The wisteria vines we carry are premium types grown properly to ensure their durability. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or a pro, this easy-to-grow plant adds a timeless look to any garden with minimal maintenance. For its enduring durability, beautiful flowers, and easy care, it is the perfect plant to brighten up your garden. 
From $29.99
From $29.99
Trumpet Vine - TN Nursery

Trumpet Vine

Trumpet Vine - Campsis Radicans Trumpet Vine is a vigorous, deciduous woody plant known for its showy, trumpet-shaped orange or red flowers and ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It is a popular choice for covering fences and trellises. When integrated into landscaping projects, it offers many benefits, such as enhancing outdoor spaces' visual allure, ecological diversity, and functionality. This deciduous woody plant presents unique qualities that contribute to various dimensions of landscape design. One of the standout benefits of using it in landscaping is its striking floral display. They have their place in any yard, and some produce stunning flowers that are pretty hard to ignore.  Also known as the creeper, these gorgeous plants have a wide range of purposes some may forget. Here's what these unique plants have to offer that you'll be sure to love. The Spectacular Flower Display Of Trumpet Vine  They produce a fabulous flower show that begins in May and lasts until about August. As the name suggests, these flowers burst out of the foliage and announce themselves with a dazzling red-orange display that coats almost all of them. No matter where they're growing, they will catch your attention once they're ready to make themselves known. Trumpet Vines Offer Vertical Decor  Finding the right plants for vertical decor can be difficult, and not everyone wants to fill their spaces with hanging plants or pots attached to the wall. This is where they come in. These gorgeous flowers easily climb up vertical decor-like trellises to provide the coverage you're looking for. They are highly durable and will increase, making them the perfect plan for those looking to cover specific areas fast without worrying too much about making mistakes that put them at risk.  This Native Perennial Offers Erosion Control Planting Trumpet Vine can be an excellent way to reduce soil erosion, especially in sloped areas where you're concerned about the stability of particular objects or other plants. They create networks of roots that keep soil in place. They also offer different benefits for your yard, like attracting essential pollinators such as birds and butterflies and acting as a space where ants can build a habitat. If you want a plant that provides a host of benefits to the surrounding area, consider this one.
From $8.99
From $8.99
Pink Tatarian Honeysuckle - TN Nursery

Pink Tatarian Honeysuckle

Pink Tatarian Honeysuckle - Lonicera Tatarica Pink Tatarian Honeysuckle is a deciduous shrub known for its fragrant, rosy, reddish tubular flowers and green foliage. These features make it a highly sought-after shrub. Lonicera tatarica, are densely branched, deciduous shrubs that can grow up to 12 feet long. When the stems are still young, they often appear light brown and slightly hairy. However, they'll grow out of this phase and eventually produce peeling shaggy bark. Of course, you won't see their bark once these shrubs grow, as they'll be covered by greenery and gorgeous rose flowers. Pink Tatarian Honeysuckle Has Stunning Flowers These irregular flowers grow in pairs and come forth on almost all first-year branches. They're known for being colored like their namesake, but they'll occasionally be white or rosy. Regardless of their exact color, it is known to be a fragrant flower that will enhance your enjoyment. They have two lips and will grow up to an inch long. The bottom lip will be slightly more significant than the top, providing visual interest. Pink Tatarian Honeysuckle Has Exotic Leaves They have opposite leaves that will grow up to 2-1/2 inches long. They will either be oblong or more egg-shaped, primarily smooth and hairless. Their widest point is the middle section. At their base, they can resemble a heart shape; then, they'll become pointed or blunt at the tip. They do not have any teeth on the edges, which helps complete their smooth appearance. There will be orange to red berries that appear later in the season. Each of these will also come in pairs, containing several seeds each. This fruit attracts a wide variety of birds. Because of this, the plant can widely spread its seeds without having to do a single thing! Create A Wildlife Hotel With This Stunning Shrub You already know birds are attracted to it, but that's just the beginning. Due to how much nectar they produce, they'll also attract the Elephant Hawkmoth, who will catch the bats' attention. When new shoots appear, they'll bring in the blackfly, leading to even more birds. Additionally, squirrels love to eat their berries. Therefore, if you've been looking for a gorgeous plant that smells wonderful and will bring in all types of wildlife, you've found it! How do you take care of this plant? Plant it in well-drained soils and give it some water during dry weather. Trim it after it has bloomed to keep its size contained and to stimulate the growth of new blooms; use a balanced natural fertilizer when the plants are budding in the early spring. Does it like direct sunlight? It thrives in full sunlight, so to stun visitors with a burst of bright colors, ensure the plants are exposed to bright sunlight. Nevertheless, it is partially shade-tolerant, though it can have more limited flowering, depending on its lack of direct sunlight.  Can you take cuttings from it?  Yes, it grows nicely from cuttings. You can collect semi-hardwood cuttings in late spring or early summer and trim them to carry a few leaves each; the soil should be well drained in order to encourage root formation.  Can I root them in water?  Even though it can be propagated in water, this is perhaps one of the most risky techniques. Sprouting in damp soil or a propagation mix normally produces better germination and more superior root system.  How fast does it grow?  Pink Tatarian Honeysuckle is a medium-sized shrub that grows up to 1 to 2 feet each year, provided that it is well irrigated. Owing to its dense foliage, you can use it as privacy walls or as hedges.
From $19.98
From $19.98
Wisteria Plant- TN Nursery

Climbing Wisteria

Climbing Wisteria Plant  Wisteria is a stunningly easy-to-plant flowering plant; it is perfect for turning any space with fences, pergolas, or trellises into stunning centerpieces. Our TN Nursery gives you healthy, well-trained plants that tolerate a range of differing environments. Grow Wisteria In A Full-Sunny Area   When planted, this plant doesn’t require much attention beyond pruning now and again to keep it straight and allow more flowers to pop. Vibrant Blooms and Lush Foliage The petals of it descend in tufts of sweet, pea-like flowers that are lavender, violet, or white, depending on the variety. Wisteria Has Stunning Flowers That Smell Like Cotton Candy Starting from late spring to early summer, creating a spectacular show. They can bloom for four to six weeks, giving you a longer view of beauty. Their tall green leaves complement their sophisticated flowers and provide excellent coverage in the growing season. Life Cycle and Longevity Of This Perennial This beautiful vining plant is an evergreen plant that swells year after year, providing homeowners with decades of beauty. They can last 50 years and, given proper maintenance, are aesthetically stunning with age. As a deciduous shrub, its leaves are golden yellow in autumn and shed for winter storage ahead of the next blooming season. Garden Star at TN Nursery The wisteria vines we carry are premium types grown properly to ensure their durability. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or a pro, this easy-to-grow plant adds a timeless look to any garden with minimal maintenance. For its enduring durability, beautiful flowers, and easy care, it is the perfect plant to brighten up your garden. 
From $29.99
From $29.99
Trumpet Vine - TN Nursery

Trumpet Vine

Trumpet Vine - Campsis Radicans Trumpet Vine is a vigorous, deciduous woody plant known for its showy, trumpet-shaped orange or red flowers and ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It is a popular choice for covering fences and trellises. When integrated into landscaping projects, it offers many benefits, such as enhancing outdoor spaces' visual allure, ecological diversity, and functionality. This deciduous woody plant presents unique qualities that contribute to various dimensions of landscape design. One of the standout benefits of using it in landscaping is its striking floral display. They have their place in any yard, and some produce stunning flowers that are pretty hard to ignore.  Also known as the creeper, these gorgeous plants have a wide range of purposes some may forget. Here's what these unique plants have to offer that you'll be sure to love. The Spectacular Flower Display Of Trumpet Vine  They produce a fabulous flower show that begins in May and lasts until about August. As the name suggests, these flowers burst out of the foliage and announce themselves with a dazzling red-orange display that coats almost all of them. No matter where they're growing, they will catch your attention once they're ready to make themselves known. Trumpet Vines Offer Vertical Decor  Finding the right plants for vertical decor can be difficult, and not everyone wants to fill their spaces with hanging plants or pots attached to the wall. This is where they come in. These gorgeous flowers easily climb up vertical decor-like trellises to provide the coverage you're looking for. They are highly durable and will increase, making them the perfect plan for those looking to cover specific areas fast without worrying too much about making mistakes that put them at risk.  This Native Perennial Offers Erosion Control Planting Trumpet Vine can be an excellent way to reduce soil erosion, especially in sloped areas where you're concerned about the stability of particular objects or other plants. They create networks of roots that keep soil in place. They also offer different benefits for your yard, like attracting essential pollinators such as birds and butterflies and acting as a space where ants can build a habitat. If you want a plant that provides a host of benefits to the surrounding area, consider this one.
From $8.99
From $8.99
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