Thinking of adding greenery to your pergola design plans?
You can go from bland to grand with greenery on your pergola.
But you have to get strategic with the plants you use, when you plant them, and how you maintain your structure.
It’s worth it to create an actual relaxing space that provides privacy and reduces stress.
Oh, and did I mention it also makes you actually want to spend time outside?
Key Takeaways
- Personalized pergola solutions involve adding greenery, which makes your space look better and feel more relaxing.
- Choose the right plants to complement your outdoor space, climate, and pergola’s style.
- Incorporate plants into your pergola’s structure and design using a variety of methods.
- Regular pruning and maintenance are required to keep your green pergola healthy and thriving.
Table of Contents
- Why Greenery Makes Your Pergola Better
- Choosing The Right Plants
- Design Strategies That Work
- Maintaining Your Green Pergola
Why Greenery Makes Your Pergola Better
Greenery makes your pergola better because it just looks and feels better.
We’re not just talking aesthetics here. Yeah, those climbing vines up against a white pergola are Instagram-worthy. But it’s more than that.
You can pick the right plants to provide privacy, create natural shade, and bring that coveted “outdoorsy” vibe to your backyard.
Research even shows that being around nature for 10 to 30 minutes significantly lowers stress levels.
When you’re planning personalized pergola solutions for your outdoor space, think of your pergola with greenery as an outdoor sanctuary designed to make you chill.
Choosing The Right Plants
Okay, but there are a lot of plants out there. How do you know which ones to choose?
You need to consider your pergola’s location, exposure to sun and shade, and your style preferences.
One of the best ways to add greenery is with a mix of climbing vines and hanging plants.
Some of the top picks for climbing vines on pergolas are wisteria, clematis, and jasmine. You can also add some hanging plants like Boston ferns, petunias, and even string of pearls.
Design Strategies That Work
One of the biggest design mistakes people make is haphazardly throwing plants on their pergola without a plan.
You need to be strategic about how your greenery is layered and positioned.
Start by considering the orientation of your pergola and the sun’s path.
Place sun-loving plants on the side that gets the most sun exposure and shade-tolerant plants on the less sunny side.
Next, incorporate a mix of permanent plants, like your climbing vines, and seasonal or annual plants that you can swap out to change things up.
Biophilic design is a growing trend that integrates natural elements into living spaces to reduce stress and boost happiness. Research even found it increased employee productivity by 15%.
Creating Layers Of Greenery
Layering greenery on your pergola is about more than just looks. It’s about how it makes you feel.
Think of it in terms of top, middle, and bottom layers of plants.
The top layer would be your climbing vines that drape over the pergola’s roof. Climbing vines provide natural shade and create that “living ceiling” effect people love.
The middle layer includes hanging baskets and plants attached to the posts. These add color at eye level.
The bottom layer is containers and raised beds around the pergola base. These ground the structure and visually connect it to the landscaping.
Maintaining Your Green Pergola
One of the biggest misconceptions about pergola greenery is that it’s a ton of work.
It’s not! Most pergola plants are pretty low-maintenance once they’re established. But there are a few maintenance musts…
Watering is key, especially during the first year when plants are still getting established. But once they have deep roots, many climbing vines are surprisingly drought tolerant.
Regular pruning keeps things in check. Don’t wait until your wisteria has devoured your pergola to start trimming back. A little goes a long way every few weeks.
Fertilize during the growing season. Once in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer and maybe one more time in summer should do it.
Seasonal Care Tips
Spring is when you’ll want to do any pruning and fertilizing. Cut back any winter damage and feed your plants to get them growing strong.
Summer is all about watering and deadheading spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Fall is when you’ll do any prep for the winter. Mulch around plants and clean up any debris.
Winter is pretty low-key. Check your plants occasionally for snow or ice damage and call it a day.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Ah, mistakes. Let’s see if I can save you from a few of the most common green pergola disasters…
Planting stuff that grows too aggressively. Wisteria and trumpet vine are notorious for being able to destroy pergolas if left unchecked. Do your research before planting.
Neglecting to install a support structure for climbing plants. Wire or trellis panels must be in place before those plants are big enough to require it.
Ignoring your hardiness zone. That tropical-looking vine you found on Pinterest won’t survive the winter if it’s not rated for your area. Use zone-appropriate plants.
Planting too closely together. Stuff like clematis can fill in a lot of space. Give your plants room to grow, or you’ll regret it in a few years.
The Watering Mistake
This is a common one. Either people overwater or underwater. Rarely in between. Here’s a simple fix.
Install a drip irrigation system on a timer. Problem solved.
Native plant species are also smart choices here. On average, they require 60-80% less water than traditional landscaping once established. Bonus points.
Getting Started
Ready to get started with adding greenery to your pergola?
The first step is to assess your space. Take photos from different angles to note where the sun hits throughout the day.
This helps you pick the right plants for the right place on your pergola.
Next, decide on your style. Do you want a cottage garden, modern, or Mediterranean?
Figure out your budget, including plants, soil, containers, irrigation, etc.
Then just jump in and start planting. Add climbing vines one year, some hanging baskets next year, and before you know it, you’ll have a green pergola you love.
Wrapping It Up
Hopefully these tips for adding greenery to your pergola were helpful.
It’s so simple to go from a blank pergola to one with plants that add beauty, function, and style.
Take it one plant at a time, layer in some hanging plants, and commit to basic pruning and maintenance.
Do that, and you’ll be rewarded with a backyard structure that turns heads and creates the relaxing outdoor space you’ve always wanted.
So get out there and start adding greenery to your pergola today. Your backyard oasis awaits!