Garden obelisks will provide the perfect support for climbing plants that you have planted in pots or in bedding areas in your garden. If the climbing plant is too far from a fence or wall – or maybe you just want to avoid any damage – then a garden obelisk will definitely be a good option to go for!
Not only do garden obelisks look attractive and eye-catching but they are practical too. They come in a range of styles and sizes so you will definitely be able to find one to suit your garden and the plants that you are growing! We love that they give you the flexibility to add height to areas of your garden that would otherwise be rather flat! This also means that they can be used to add a little privacy or bordering to different areas of your garden as well!
What Plants Will Grow on a Garden Obelisk?
Many people love the thought of adding more height and dimension to their gardens, but don’t actually know how to achieve this – which is totally understandable, particularly if you are used to more simple bedding plants etc. A garden obelisk is basically there to allow you to grow climbing plants in all areas of your garden, not just against an important structure – such as your house of fencing. They essentially provide a framework for any climbing plant to use, so that they can reach new heights, this is why many gardeners actually use them towards the backs of their bedding areas to make it more “three dimensional”.
Some of the plants that you will be able to grow on your garden obelisk include:
- Honeysuckle
- sweet peas
- Jasmine
- Clematis
- Climbing Roses
- Climbing Hydrangea
If you are wanting some more information on the best climbing plants to grow – have a read of this article.
TOP TIP: Remember it is also important to consider the light and soil type that your plant needs if you want it to grow successfully, so make sure to check this before planting.
Best Pick – Relaxdays Metal Obelisk
- Shapes and supports climbing plants
- Sturdy construction, assembly materials included
- Decorative tip
- Colour: Brown; Material: Metal
- Height: approx 1.9 m
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
In a Hurry?
If you are anything like us, then when it comes to gardening, you don’t realise you need something until you need it right at that moment! It is crucial that you purchase your garden obelisks at the start of a new season, otherwise your climbing plants won’t be given the best start that they need to get the most out of them for the rest of the year! So if you are in a rush to get buying – and planting – then this is the part of the article you need to read! We have included all the main garden obelisk features that you need to consider before you buy – plus some of our favourite options available at the moment!
Size
The size of your garden obelisk really depends on the size of garden and bedding areas/planters that you are working with and also the height of climbers that you are wanting to grow! The wider the base that you can go for the better, as this is going to allow your obelisk to have more stability particularly when growing heavier plants! Not only this, but it also gives the plant more space to grow from IT’S base and strongest part – this helps to ensure you have a healthier plant that is then better able to climb up the obelisk. A base size of around 35cm will be enough to provide this stability and space.
We found that most garden obelisks are around 7ft in height, however there are models that are smaller and bigger depending on what you are looking for in your garden. Just be careful that if you are going for a larger obelisk it is somewhere slightly protected from the elements – or it is fixed in place. Once your obelisk is covered with plants then it should be more stable to the ground, but until that point you are at risk of it being blown over if it is not adequately secured. If this sounds far too big for what you are looking for then there are miniature obelisks that will just add a little height to your garden however you will need to be careful what plants you pair these with.
Wood or Metal?
The first thing that you need to consider when purchasing a garden obelisk is whether you want a wooden or a metal model. Wood is always going to be the cheaper option and will give you a more natural look in your garden, however they are nowhere near as strong as metal options, nor as durable. This means that they can become rotten if exposed to damp conditions for greater periods of time, and also will be less likely to hold considerably larger climbing plants as they develop. But, it is important to remember that they are cheaper and usually lighter, plus if they are as well looked after as the rest of your garden then you may be able to get a few years life out of them.
Metal – usually steel – is going to be the more likely option if you know that you want your obelisks to last for a long time. Metal garden obelisks can be reused again and again – so even if your plants don’t survive the year, the obelisk will be there ready and waiting for your next try! Steel is a nice and light material which means that it can be easily moved around your garden as and when you need it. Not only that, but it is relatively rust resistant so providing you keep your obelisk clean and maintained it should remain rust free for a long time!
We also found some metal obelisks that are plastic covered, which gives you the benefit of the strength of the metal, but also the water resistance and rust resistance of the plastic. However, some metal obelisks actually come without a protective coating – on purpose! Now we understand that might seem a little odd but they are designed to rust to give a more natural and aged appearance in your garden! Once they are rusted slightly they should still last for a number of years so you don’t need to worry about them becoming overly “rustic”.
TOP TIP: Depending on the style of your garden, you may be better suited to a willow or bamboo obelisk which are available! They will usually be as durable as the other wooden garden obelisks but just have a different style and look about them to suit more alternative gardens.
Design
Garden obelisks are pretty standard in design, but there will be some variations depending on what you are looking for.
- More ornate designs – Some garden obelisks are designed to blend into the environment. They are designed as simply as possible to keep the attention on your beautiful plants. However, other garden obelisks add to the beauty of your garden simply by being there!
- Skeleton design – You need to make sure to look at the design of the actual skeleton (or frame) of the obelisk that you are purchasing. Make sure that there are enough strips for the plant to coil around, but also not so many that larger plants don’t have the space to grow through the gaps. Sometimes a thinner frame is actually better for smaller, more delicate plants as they have something to “grip” onto at every stage of their growth.
Colour
Most metal garden obelisks are going to come in black or green, so that they can blend in with the garden environment. This is the same for wooden obelisks that will naturally blend with the wood and branches of your climbing plants. However, if you want your garden obelisk to be more of a feature then you might want one in a brighter colour! To save you the hassle of having to do this yourself, look out for some of the different coloured obelisks such as blue or brighter green! Otherwise, there are plenty of metal/wood paints in a variety of colours that can be used if you have the time to paint your obelisk before using it – just make sure to use paint that isn’t going to be toxic to your plants and ensure it is fully dried!
Best Budget – Kingfisher Steel Garden Obelisk
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
The Best Garden Obelisk Features
Now that you know some of the main features that you need to consider before purchasing a garden obelisk, here are some of those additional features that may be worth considering if you want the best for both you and your garden!
- Assembly – Quite a few garden obelisks, particularly the larger ones, will actually take two people to assemble, others you will be able to assemble on your own. Make sure to check this as there is nothing worse than getting your obelisk home to find that you can’t actually use it without someone’s help building it in the first place! It is also important to check what tools, if any, you are going to need to build your obelisk. Some won’t actually need any tools whereas others will need a screwdriver etc.
- Multi-buys – Manufacturers are aware that you may need more than one obelisk, as for larger bedding areas or multiple bedding areas, this can really add depth! Some obelisks actually come sold in pairs, so that you can be sure your obelisks are matching. This can also give you the option to allow your plant to grow out as well as up creating an almost wall effect!
- Planter – Some garden obelisks actually come with a planter included! These will have a standard plant pot at the bottom with the obelisk attached above the planter. If you want to grow climbing plants but don’t have the bedding areas to grow them then this is a perfect alternative! Plus you don’t need to worry about the obelisk being blown over as it is attached to the planter!
If you are new to planting with a garden obelisk then we have found this really useful video with information on how to train climbing plants up a garden obelisk.
Best of the Rest
- Black powder coated steel construction
- Garden Obelisk.
- Size height 1.9 m x diameter 39 cm
- Easy to erect some assembly required
- Brand : Kingfisher
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐃𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 - Attractive and functional growing structure is made from high-quality and durable coated steel for durability.
- 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐒 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐒 - Easy to use obelisk is perfect to help you create a support system for your plants to grow with.
- 𝐊𝐄𝐄𝐏𝐒 𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 - Obelisk measures 1.9 metres in height and can be used to support tall plants and prevent them from falling or bending.
- 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐄 - this easy-to-assemble kit contains everything you need to create your growing obelisk structure in minutes.
- 𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐀 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐄-𝐏𝐈𝐄𝐂𝐄 - designed to stand out, the completed obelisk structure is perfect for adding an attractive centrepiece to your garden.
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- A striking and stylish garden feature which provides support for climbing plants.
- Creates height and impact for beds, borders or containers.
- Perfect for climbing plants, roses and small trees.
- This decorative sturdy pine focal point can also support the growth of runner beans.
- Easy to assemble.
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow a plant up an obelisk?
This largely depends on the plant itself and the conditions. Some climbing plants grow remarkably quickly so you will have enough growth to start training within one season! If you are wanting to avoid your obelisk looking bare then why not purchase a plant that is already established and just needs training/securing to the obelisk.
Can I reuse a garden obelisk?
Yes! There is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t be able to reuse your garden obelisk if the plant doesn’t survive for whatever reason! Simply clean it down and remove any leftover branches and it will be fine to use again. You may want to consider freshening up the soil around the obelisk in case this is the reason why the plant didn’t survive.
How long should a garden obelisk last?
This depends on whether you opt for a wooden obelisk or a metal obelisk. Metal obelisks should be able to last for just as long as you need them to! They might start to look slightly rusted and worn but they will still be more than capable of supporting any plants in your garden. Wooden obelisks will usually last between 10 and 15 years providing they are well maintained and of good quality so this is still more than reasonable for the price that you are paying. You can purchase cheaper garden obelisks that won’t last as long if this is better for you.
Should you plant inside or outside a garden obelisk?
This really depends on the plant that you are working with but as a general rule we would recommend planting on the outside of your garden obelisk. This will give your plant chance to spread out if needed and also provide extra security for the obelisk as the plant starts to grow.
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