When botanists describe a specimen, they specify its general appearance (its habit). When this is described as climbing, it means that the plant grows vertically, leaning, clinging or wrapping itself around a support. This may be another plant (a tree or shrub), an artificial element or a stake.

Not all climbing plants use the same technique. Some have evolved to become expert climbers. Others climb as opportunities arise, with the help of the gardener.

Voluble plants are naturally attracted to their support. The end of the stem grows in a helix, until it encounters something to grip onto. Once it has found its support, the plant wraps itself around it, either clockwise or anti-clockwise. Voluble climbers include flowering plants such as wisteria and honeysuckle.

Other plants have tendrils. This spiral-shaped organ enables the plant to attach itself to anything that crosses its path: a branch, a pergola, a fence... This is the method used by clematis and petit-pois.

Finally, some climbing plants are experts in the art of clinging to the most hostile walls. They have aerial roots that act like spikes or suction cups. They use them to attach themselves to anything rough or smooth. Ivy and Virginia creeper are the best-known examples.

Climbing plants such as rambler rose and star jasmine have no climbing attributes of their own. They lean their woody stems and branches against whatever they can find (a wall, a tree...) to gain height. They need to be guided and attached to their support. Otherwise, they resemble bushy, untidy bushes.

Outdoor climbers are prized for their evergreen foliage and abundant flowering. After a few years, they can dress up an unsightly low wall, conceal an overlook, shade a pergola or green up a fence. Analyze the support available to determine which climbing plant to choose. If it's a wall, choose a variety with spikes or suction cups, such as climbing hydrangea or bignone. For pergolas, arbors and trellises, choose voluble, tendril-type plants such as passionflower, Akebia, cobia, ipomea or hop.

Climbing plants are also grown indoors. These species are tropical perennials, epiphytic or not. Not very hardy, they can withstand the temperatures of our homes, but not our gardens. But you'll need to offer them a stake to enable them to climb. Some, like Monstera, Pothos or Philodendron, are appreciated for their foliage. Others, like Hoya and Orchid, are appreciated for their flowers.