Trailing plants add a rustic touch to both indoor and outdoor settings. They may use underground runners or climbing vines to spread foliage. When choosing trailing plants for your garden, consider the climate, soil type and amount of light available. Keep in mind that many trailing plants are considered invasive, even if they are legal to plant, so devise a plan to control runners and seedlings.
Window Boxes
Display your trailing plants in a window box to improve the appearance of your home. The Clemson University Cooperative Extension recommends hanging window boxes at eye level, for example on the bottom level of your home, to increase aesthetic appeal, but you can also use them on upper levels if you live in an apartment or have multiple levels in your home. For the best look, extend window boxes the full length of the window. Trailing flower plants like fuchsia or alyssum are visually appealing. Plant trailing herbs like thyme and mint outside the kitchen window for easy access while cooking.
Ground Covers
Ground covers reduce weed growth and improve soil health. A variety of trailing plants, including yarrow, Mexican evening primrose, ivy, mint and speedwell, are ideal for areas smaller than 50 square feet. For larger areas, try fringed sage, creeping juniper, blue fescue and creeping baby's breath. Ground covers can be fragile, so use stepping stones or a path if they are planted in high-traffic areas. Flowering ground covers require more care and maintenance than other varieties, like evergreen trailing plants.
Trellises
Although trellis systems are often used for purely ornamental purposes, they also have utilitarian benefits. For example, many trailing fruits and vegetables, like tomatoes and berries, grow better when supported with a trellis system. The book "The Contained Garden" suggests placing a trellis behind potted plants that have trailing habits to provide support and opportunity for increased growth. Trellis systems also promote air circulation between the branches to encourage new development and support established growth.
Pots
Trailing plants can also be grown in pots, either inside your home or outside in the garden. Even if you have room in your garden, consider using a large pot to contain trailing plants and prevent them from overtaking other plants in your garden. Many trailing varieties, including Boston ivy, Virginia creepers, mint, sweet violet, snow-on-the-mountain and sweet woodruff can be aggressive and even invasive if they are not controlled. You can also use large pots of trailing plants as decoration in patio areas or beside a pool.
