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Mediterranean garden climbers historically have been used to create shade, hide bad views and add colour to vertical structures.
The most common climber found in Mediterranean gardens is the grape vine. Traditionally grape vines have provided dense shade in summer and allow light in during the winter. This is why vines have been used in the Med for centuries on pergolas and trellises. As the Mediterranean is typically mountainous there is often desire to soften high walls and buildings. Consequently, you may also want to implement climbers into your Mediterranean garden. Here, I have listed and described 9 Mediterranean climbers which will look good in any garden design. Passion flower
The Passionflower or (Passiflora Caerulea) is a semi evergreen vine originally from South America. Its pronged leaves and amazing shaped flowers means it is a complete novelty in the garden. The passionflower vine is hardy up to -10 and will benefit from a south facing wall in cooler climates. If grown in a sunny warm position it can even produce small edible fruits. 
Morning glory
The morning glory is an annual, climbing plant with attractive and exotic looking flowers. This climber is famous for its flowers only lasting a single day opening early in the morning. The vine keeps producing new flowers all summer long making it a favoured display plant. In many Mediterranean countries, morning glories commonly grow absolutely everywhere. 
Common jasmine
A very typical delight within Mediterranean gardens is enjoying the sweet scent of jasmine. This hardy jasmine is suitable for most sites but likes to be both sunny and well drained. During the summer this climbing shrub will give off a sweet scent from its delicate jasmine flowers. 
Clematis armandiiIf there is one thing everybody needs during the winter it is a little taste of summer. Clematis armandii is not only evergreen it actually flowers during the winter months. These large scented flowers are perfect for around seating areas and pergolas. These climbers have quite an exotic look and are quite cold hardy. This makes them perfect for Mediterranean gardens in cooler climates with long winters. 
Grape vine
The grape vine has to be the most obvious and celebrated vine for Mediterranean gardens. Not only is it beautiful it has edible leaves and the ability to produce fruit. This prompted a historical cultivation for thousands of years. The Greeks pickle their leaves and use them to roll up mixtures of rice and herbs. Grape vines can also provide very vibrant autumn colour displays during the fall season. 
Climbing rose
Climbing roses are an effective way to add extra colour and excitement to walls and structures. In Mediterranean gardens climbing roses are extremely effective against walls. The best Spanish themed garden I have seen had white rendered walls and a climbing red rose. The contrast of the blood red rose against the brilliant white backdrop was pure seduction! 
Star jasmine
The star jasmine has to be the most pungently scented climber for Mediterranean gardens. Not only does this climber smell amazing it has attractive white flowers and evergreen foliage. Its leathery leaves put on a colour display of reds and oranges during the autumn. This Jasmine is perfect for a sunny wall or a sheltered patio area. 
Potato vine
The Potato vine or Solanum Jasminoides is a semi evergreen climber with Jasmine like flowers. However this vine is much more closely related to the potato than a Jasmine. In Mediterranean gardens this climber is perfect for trellises, arches and other structures. 
Kiwi
Kiwi’s are not the first climber you would think of when planning a Mediterranean garden. However growing Kiwis over pergolas has now become popular in southern Europe. Kiwi vines have large attractive leaves which look very exotic and tropical. This makes them a good climber for Mediterranean gardens and you may even get some fruit! 
Thank you for reading our article on the best climbers for Mediterranean gardens.
If you need a Mediterranean garden builder why not contact us here. Below I will include some other relevant articles you may find useful.
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