Which climbing plants and espalier trees can grow against a south-facing wall?

Climbing plants are perfect for a small garden: they take up very little space, give your garden a green look, and many varieties bloom beautifully! Climbing plants are also known as espalier plants. Which espalier plants are suitable for full sun, such as on a south-facing wall?

What exactly is a south wall?

A south-facing wall is a wall that faces south, or a wall on the south side of the house. A south-facing wall receives the most sunlight during the day and heats up the most. It also retains heat longer.

Characteristics of a south-facing wall

Do you have a south-facing wall in your garden that you can make use of? Perfect, because a south-facing wall has many advantages!

Full sun

Not only does a south-facing wall get the most hours of sunlight, but the sun is also at its strongest in the afternoon. Ideal for climbing plants in full sun!

Warm

Because of the amount of sunlight, the temperature near a south-facing wall rises higher than elsewhere in the garden. A brick or concrete wall will absorb and store this heat, and then gradually release it again.

Dry

The area at the base of a south-facing wall is often drier than the rest of the garden. In full sun and with the extra heat, the soil here dries out more quickly. Keep this in mind when choosing plants, or be prepared to water them more frequently.

Sheltered

A south-facing wall can provide protection from cold north and east winds.

Perfect for sun lovers

Garden plants that love sun and heat—such as Mediterranean herbs, shrubs, and trees—benefit from the extra warmth provided by a south-facing wall. Many types of fruit plants and vines also thrive against a south-facing wall.

A south-facing wall allows you to extend the growing season (frost starts later and ends earlier within the microclimate of a south-facing wall). This wall is perfect for Mediterranean plants and other plants that thrive in warm conditions. Many climbing plants also thrive against a south-facing wall, thanks to the extra warmth and the amount of sunlight.

Which climbing plants are suitable for a south-facing wall?

These climbing plants thrive in full sun and warmth and are suitable for a south-facing wall:

• Wisteria
• Bougainvillea (not hardy)
• Clematis (wood clematis; make sure the base is in the shade)
• Grape (Vitis vinifera)
• Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
• Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
• Kiwi or kiwi berry (Actinidia)
• Climbing Rose (Rosa)
• Mandevilla (Dipladenia; not hardy)
• Passionflower (Passiflora)
• Tuscan jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
• Trumpet Creeper (Campsis)
• Firethorn (Pyracantha)
• Wild grapevine (Parthenocissus)

Which espalier plants and trees are suitable for a south-facing wall?

These espalier trees thrive in plenty of sun and warmth and are suitable for a south-facing wall:

• Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
• Almond (Prunus dulcis)
• Apple Tree (Malus domestica)
• Photinia (Photinia fraseri)
• Persimmon (Diospyros kaki)
• Cherry Tree (Prunus avium)
• Nashi Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia)
• Pear Tree (Pyrus communis)
• Peach or nectarine (Prunus persica)
• Plum Tree (Prunus domestica)
• Fig Tree (Ficus carica)

More Plants for a South-Facing Wall

For ground cover, consider a variety of perennials that thrive in full sun, Mediterranean herbs, and lavender. There are also beautiful shrubs that thrive against a south-facing wall. Examples include the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), California lilac (Ceanothus), citrus (not winter-hardy), evergreen or southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), oleander (Nerium; moderately hardy), upright rosemary (Rosmarinus), and holm oak (Quercus ilex).