Popular creeper plants to grow at home

Creeper plants, also known as climbing plants or vines, grow by using other structures for support. They can grow on walls, trellises, fences and other plants. Creeper plants are popular in gardens as they add visual interest and provide privacy. These versatile and beautiful plants can add a touch of nature to any space. Let’s know more about creeper plants, including their benefits, types and care.

See also: Curtain Creeper: Facts, benefits, growth and care

 

Types of creeper plants

There are many different types of creeper plants, such as:

Flowering creepers

These beauties add a splash of colour to your garden with their vibrant blooms. Popular examples include Morning Glory, Bougainvillea and Clematis, which cascade gracefully along fences and trellises.

Moss-like creepers

Known for their delicate appearance, moss-like creepers like Irish Moss and Corsican Mint create lush, velvety green carpets that spread effortlessly over the ground.

 

Curtain creepers

These elegant climbers create a curtain-like effect when grown on walls or pergolas. Chinese Trumpet Vine and Honeysuckle are famous curtain creepers, attracting hummingbirds with their fragrant blossoms.

Rangoon creepers

Rangoon creepers boast clusters of red, pink or white flowers that change colour as they mature. These evergreen vines are perfect for adorning fences and trellises.

Railway creepers

As the name suggests, these creepers often grow along railway tracks and embankments. The Mile-a-Minute plant and Japanese Hops are examples of fast-growing, hardy railway creepers.

 

Fruiting creepers

Ideal for small gardens or balconies, fruiting creepers offer both ornamental beauty and edible rewards. Strawberry plants, Kiwi vines and passion fruit creepers are popular choices.

Potting creepers

These compact creepers are perfect for container gardening. Creeping Jenny, Baby’s Tears, and Ivy are commonly used to create stunning hanging baskets and indoor greenery.

 

Examples of popular creeper plants

Each creeper plant variety has unique characteristics and benefits. These are some of the most popular types of creeper plants:

Ivy

Ivy is one of the most common creeper plants. It has a distinctive leaf shape and can grow up to 30 metres. Ivy is ideal for covering walls, fences and other vertical surfaces. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Ivy can help regulate temperature and reduce noise pollution.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Jasmine

Jasmine is a fragrant creeper plant, popular for its sweet scent and delicate flowers. It can grow up to 6 metres and is ideal for growing on trellises or walls. Jasmine is also known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Bougainvillaea

Bougainvillaea is a colourful creeper plant that produces bright flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, white and purple. It can grow up to 12 metres and is ideal for growing on fences or walls. Bougainvillaea is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in hot, dry climates.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Wisteria

Wisteria is a stunning creeper plant that produces cascades of fragrant flowers in shades of purple, blue and pink. It can grow up to 20 metres and is ideal for trellises or pergolas. Wisteria is known for its longevity with some plants living for over 100 years.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Climbing roses

Climbing roses are a classic creeper plant that produces beautiful flowers in shades of red, pink, white and yellow. They can grow up to 6 metres and are ideal for trellises or arches. Climbing roses are known for their thorns, which can help deter intruders.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Creeper Plants: Benefits

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, creeper plants offer a range of benefits for your home and garden. Here are some of the most notable benefits of creeper plants:

Improved air quality

Creeper plants can improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and producing oxygen. This reduces respiratory problems and improves overall health.

Reduced heat and noise pollution

Creeper plants can reduce heat and noise pollution by providing shade and insulation. This keeps your home or garden cool and quiet, even in hot and noisy environments.

Increased privacy

Creeper plants can provide privacy by creating a natural barrier between your home and the outside world.

Pest control

Creeper plants can help with pest control by attracting beneficial insects that prey on harmful pests. For example, creeper plants, such as honeysuckle and clematis, attract ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on aphids and other pests.

Wildlife habitat

Creeper plants provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, bees and butterflies. This helps promote biodiversity and create a more vibrant and diverse ecosystem.

 

How to care for creeper plants?

Creeper plants are relatively easy to care for but they require some maintenance to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for your creeper plants:

Watering

Creeper plants should be watered regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. However, do not overwater them as it can cause root rot and other problems.

Pruning

Creeper plants should be pruned regularly to control their growth and prevent them from becoming too invasive. Pruning can also help promote flowering and increase the overall health of the plant.

Support

Creeper plants need support to grow properly. This can be provided in the form of trellises, walls or other structures. It is important to ensure that the support has the strength to hold the weight of the plant.

Fertiliser

Creeper plants should be fertilised regularly to promote healthy growth and flowering. However, do not over-fertilize them as it can damage the plant.

 

FAQs

Can creeper plants damage walls and other structures?

While creeper plants can grow quickly and become invasive, they generally do not cause damage to walls and other structures. However, it is important to choose a support structure that is strong enough to hold the weight of the plant.

Do all creeper plants need support?

Most creeper plants need support to grow properly. However, there are some types of creeper plants, such as ground ivy and creeping phlox, which can grow without support.

How can I control the growth of my creeper plants?

You can control the growth of your creeper plants by pruning them regularly and choosing a support structure that is appropriate for their size. You can use a growth regulator to slow down the growth of the plant.

How often should I water my creeper plants?

Creeper plants should be watered regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. However, do not overwater to avoid root rot and other problems.

Can creeper plants be grown indoors?

Yes, certain types of creeper plants can be grown indoors. However, they need a support structure to climb, such as a trellis or a stake.

Do creeper plants attract pests?

While creeper plants attract pests, such as aphids and spider mites, they also attract beneficial insects that prey on these pests. It is important to monitor your plants regularly and take appropriate action if you notice pest infestation.

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