Container Gardening
Trellising
5 Ways to Trellis in Containers

A trellis can add an attractive vertical element to a garden or patio. Support your climbing plants with a trellis that complements the style of your home and garden. There are many different styles out there to choose from! Using a trellis can help to maximize the use of space in a small garden or on a balcony. Below, we’ll show you five cool container trellising options that utilize different materials and suit a variety of garden styles.

Option 1

Arch Trellis
WHAT WE PLANTED

Coconut A-PEEL® Thunbergia Learn More

Optional

Attach chicken wire or wire on the sides of the arch for extra plant support.

PROJECT LINKS

You can get this look using any number of different materials, from wood and bamboo to PVC pipe or metal. We used a resin window box and an easy-to-assemble metal arch:

Metal Arch Buy It Here

Resin Container Buy It Here

You can also keep things simple and purchase this raised bed arch trellis from Gardener’s Supply Co:

Arch Planter Buy It Here

Option 2

Obelisk Trellis
WHAT WE PLANTED

Sweet Caroline Upside® Ipomoea Series

Learn More

It is unlike any sweet potato vine you’ve ever seen. It features a unique climbing habit that’s a twist on a usually trailing plant, making it an excellent candidate for an annual trellised pot.

Obelisk Trellis
Buy It Here

DIY Option

DO IT YOURSELF!

An obelisk-like trellis is easy to make out of bamboo or gardening stakes. All you need is four stakes and some cord or twine to tie them together at the top. Check out this video tutorial for more info on how to make your own trellis.

Option 3

Wall Mounted Trellis
trellised clematis
WHAT WE PLANTED

‘Viva Polonia’ Clematis Learn More

pink mink trellis
WHAT WE PLANTED

Pink Mink® Clematis Learn More

VIDEO: Willow Branch Trellis

Learn how to make your own trellis out willow branches with Laura of Garden Answer.

WALL TRELLISING

A well trellis is a great way to add vertical interest to containers that live next to your house, garage, or patio. Containers are moveable, letting you add color and life to a spot that would otherwise be difficult to plant. There are lots of products and materials to choose from. You could go with simple wood or wire, or purchase a more heavy-duty metal frame. Check out some of our favorite products below!

Cable Wall Trellis Buy It Here

Modern Ina Wall Trellis Buy It Here

Iron Wall Trellis from Terrain Buy It Here

Option 4

Small Potted Trellis
Trellising a Small Potted Plant

Trellising a small potted vine is quick and easy! Check out our trellising DIY video here.

VIEW PROJECT

Option 5

Trellis Freestyle
GETTING CREATIVE

Many things can be repurposed or upcycled to become a unique plant trellis. An antique metal bed headboard, a bike or wagon wheel, an old screen door or ladder can all be used as sculptural objects to support plants and create vertical interest. Take a trip to your local antique store and see what you can find!

USEFUL LINKS

thunbergia wall diy link
THUNBERGIA PRIVACY WALL

Learn how to make a living privacy wall with vigorous and beautiful thunbergia.

VIEW PROJECT
breathing space link
BREATHING SPACE

Use vining plants to create living privacy walls and get inspired for your next backyard makeover!

VIEW PROJECT
privacy wall planters
PRIVACY WALL PLANTERS

Learn how to create a living screen using tiered vertical planters. Get diagrams, plant lists, and more.

VIEW PROJECT