Climbing Plants That Flower For A Pergola

A pergola covered with flowering climbers can transform your outdoor space into a lush, shaded retreat filled with color and fragrance. In Brisbane’s warm climate, not all traditional cottage plants thrive, but by selecting the right flowering vines, you can still achieve a romantic, cascading garden look.

By choosing soft pastel hues like white, lilac, and pink, you can create a classic cottage feel, while bold tropical colors like deep red, bright pink, and vibrant orange will add warmth and vibrancy to your space.

With so many options available, here’s a detailed guide to the best flowering climbers for pergolas in Brisbane.
In Brisbane a cottage style garden is not always practical as many of the plants do not work in the warmer weather – but a flowering vine can instantly add a cottage feel to your garden when they are cascading over a pergola or arbour.

If you stick to the whites, lilacs and pastel pinks you can create that lovely cottage garden feel For a more striking or tropical feel – use the vibrant red, pinks and oranges and these plants will be eye catching and create an instant lush coolness to your outdoor areas.

Brisbane weather is perfect for the following 6 flowering creepers and these can be found at our local Nursery in Capalabla

Types Of Climbers For A Pergola

Climbers fall into 4 categories of how they “climb”

And the following 6 flowering vines are perfect for a sturdy pergola and the right vine can minimise the need to add a roof to your pergola or allow an area of your pergola to be roof free.

Some climbing plants can grow too heavy for a regular pergola – eg a wisteria or a kiwi fruit vine and other plants just aren’t suitable for a pergola such as ivy or a creeping fig.

How They Grow On The Pergola

Climbing plants use different methods to attach themselves to a structure. Choosing the right type ensures they will grow effectively on your pergola while minimizing maintenance issues.

Twiners – These climbers have flexible stems that twist around posts, beams, or wires for support. Examples: Wisteria, Hardenbergia, Pandorea Vine.

Tendrils – Thin side shoots that coil around structures like trellises, wires, and mesh fences. Examples: Mandevilla, Orange Trumpet Creeper.

Scramblers – These plants use thorns or hooked stems to grip onto surfaces but may need additional support or tying. Examples: Bougainvillea, Climbing Roses.

Sticky Feet (Aerial Roots) – Small root-like structures or suction cups that cling to walls and solid surfaces. Examples: Ivy, Creeping Fig (not recommended for pergolas due to potential damage).

6 Best Flowering Climbers For Brisbane

Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.) – Vibrant & Hardy Scrambler

Bougainvillea is one of the most stunning and hardy climbers, producing intense pink, red, orange, and white flowers that bloom throughout the year in Brisbane’s warm climate.
If you have ever been to Southbank, the gorgeous bougainvillea “tunnels” are breathtaking.

• Pruning – Needs regular trimming to keep it from growing too aggressively.
• Growth & Care – Fast-growing and thrives in full sun. Prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate waterlogged roots. Requires occasional watering in hot months.
• Best Features – Low-maintenance once established and adds instant tropical appeal to any pergola. The Bambino range offers compact varieties for smaller spaces.

Hardenbergia Hardenbergia (Hardenbergia violacea) – Delicate & Australian Native

Commonly known as Happy Wanderer, Hardenbergia is a fast-growing native twiner with dark green evergreen leaves and a mass explosion of flowers from winter to early spring.

• Best Features – Native to Australia, attracts bees, and is relatively low-maintenance compared to other climbers.
• Flower Colors – Typically purple, but newer cultivars include white and pink varieties.
• Growth & Care – Prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant but not frost-hardy.

Mandevilla (Dipladenia spp.) – Exotic, Tropical & Ever-Blooming

If you want year-round flowers, Mandevilla is an excellent choice. This tropical tendril climber produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers in burgundy, scarlet, pink, and white, making it a vibrant addition to any pergola. You can also keep them in large pots next tp your pergola and this adds a great feature too.

• Pruning & Maintenance – Needs occasional trimming to maintain shape and encourage fresh blooms.
• Growth & Care – Does well in pots or garden beds, requires a trellis or framework to climb, and thrives in full sun.
• Best Features – Hardy, versatile, and provides continuous flowering.

Pandorea Vine (Pandorea jasminoides) – Stunning Australian Native

Also known as Wonga Wonga Vine, this fast-growing evergreen climber is perfect for covering large pergolas and creating a dense, flowering canopy.

• Best Features – Profuse flowering from spring to autumn, attracting native bees and butterflies.
• Flower Colors – Ranges from pure white to soft pinks and deep pinks. Some varieties have a delicate fragrance.
• Growth & Care – Requires at least 6 hours of sun daily and should be watered during dry months.

Orange Trumpet Creeper (Pyrostegia venusta) – Show-Stopping Winter Bloomer

Native to South America, the Orange Trumpet Creeper is a tendrilled vine that produces masses of bright orange, trumpet-shaped flowers in mid to late winter, creating a flaming orange waterfall effect when allowed to cascade over a pergola.

• Pruning – Benefits from annual pruning after flowering to control size.
• Growth & Care – Fast-growing and requires full sun. Prefers well-draining soil and requires extra watering during Brisbane’s dry season.
• Best Features – Evergreen with dense foliage, providing privacy, shade, and a dramatic winter floral display.

Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) – Fragrant & Versatile Twiner

A classic evergreen climber, Star Jasmine is prized for its intensely perfumed white flowers that bloom in spring and summer. It is one of the best climbers for partial shade and can also be used as ground cover.

• Pruning & Maintenance – Requires light pruning to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
• Growth & Care – Thrives in partial shade to full sun and tolerates a range of soil conditions.
• Best Features – Low-maintenance, versatile, and highly fragrant.

Tips for Growing Climbing Plants on a Pergola

• Choose the Right Climber – Some vines grow heavy, so ensure your pergola is sturdy enough to support them. Avoid aggressive species like wisteria or kiwi vines on lightweight pergolas.
• Provide Strong Support – Install trellises, wires, or mesh to help the plant attach and spread evenly.
• Regular Pruning & Training – Helps maintain shape, prevent overgrowth, and encourage better flowering.
• Soil & Watering – Most climbing plants prefer well-draining soil. Water deeply during dry spells to maintain healthy growth.

Build the Perfect Pergola for Climbing Plants

A well-designed pergola not only provides shade and structure but also enhances the beauty of your outdoor space when paired with lush climbing plants. At Pergolas Brisbane, we build custom pergolas that support flowering climbers while blending seamlessly with your home and garden.

Call Pergolas Brisbane today at (07) 3064 0661 for a free quote and let’s create your perfect pergola oasis.