A garden obelisk makes a lovely feature in its own right, especially in autumn and winter when the garden is more bare. But of course an obelisk looks stunning when clothed with climbing plants such as clematis, climbing roses, honeysuckle or sweet peas and edibles such as French and runner beans.
Obelisks can be used to punctuate and add height to borders and beds, or can be placed on pots on the patio for climbing plants to grow up.
Obelisks are available in a variety of styles and materials, from traditional wood and metal to rustic woven willow. Choose one that fits the overall look of your garden. Natural materials work best in more rustic, traditional or cottage garden-style spaces, while metal would work best in a more contemporary setting.
Most come with legs that can simply be pushed into the soil until firm. Their measurement is often included in the overall height of the obelisk, so bear this in mind when buying.
The best garden obelisks for 2024
Roman Style Steel Garden Obelisks
- Material: plastic-coated steel
- Dimensions: height 210cm x width 35cm
- Set of two
This pair of Roman-style obelisks would be an attractive addition to any garden, clothed in climbing plants such as sweet peas, clematis, climbing roses or honeysuckle. With a generous height of 210cm, they are made from weatherproof and long-lasting plastic coated steel with a criss-crossing trellis and an attractive finial.
The obelisks come in two parts that are easily stacked together, with the fixings attached. They can be dismantled when the season has ended and easily stored – or left standing over winter.
Customer review: "Excellent quality, very strong. Fitted together easily."
Rusty Sculptural Garden Obelisk
- Material: steel
- Dimensions: height 150cm x width 35cm
The wavy, organic design of this garden obelisk will add a sculptural quality to your garden. It would look equally at home in a cottage-style garden as it would in a more contemporary space. It would add interest to a border even with nothing climbing up it, and it would look just as good bare as it would covered in climbing plants.
It will rust naturally in the garden over time, giving it a rustic look. It is made from heavy-duty solid steel rod with strong welds and attractive finials.
Customer review: "This is nice and sturdy, and doesn't feel like it will buckle under the weight of climbers like some l have had before."
King Garden Obelisk
Available from Sarah Raven (£179.95), Agriframes (£182.00)
- Material: steel
- Dimensions: height 160cm x width 50cm
- Colours: rustic, sage green, matt black
This beautiful obelisk is attractive in its own right but is the ideal support for climbing roses and other climbers. Made of solid steel, it comes in three finishes – Rustic, Sage Green and Matt Black.
Customer review: "[A] beautiful piece that looks good in a winter garden and sturdy enough to be very confident that it will easily manage a nice climber."
Pot obelisk
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- Material: powder-coated steel
- Dimensions: height 128cm inc. feet x width 34cm
This obelisk is especially designed to fit on top of a pot – its feet are angled to fit snugly into a container, while offering a sturdy support for climbing plants. Made from steel rod powder coated in a contemporary gunmetal grey gloss, it is supplied in three sections – you could use the base section on its own to support a young plant, adding the other two sections as it grows.
It can be dismantled, the pieces nesting inside each other to avoid taking up too much space.
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Charlbury Obelisk
Buy small, large or set of two from from Garden Trading (from £80.00)
- Material: powder-coated steel
- Dimensions: height 180cm x width 25cm / height 210cm x width 31cm
- Buy in small, large or pack of two
These beautiful square obelisks are both decorative and functional. Available in two sizes, they would look fantastic in any type of garden, left bare or adorned with plants.
Customer review: "Very pretty and sturdy, great quality and design."
2 Spiral Willow Garden Obelisks
Buy from Selections (£29.99)
- Material: woven willow
- Dimensions: height 120cm x width 30cm
- Set of two
A woven willow obelisk blends beautifully into flower beds and veg patches, and this set of two from Selections offers great value for money. The brand also sells a slightly darker-toned 'rustic' set for the same price.
Customer review: "A good feature in the garden with a natural look. Good value for money."
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Arthur Jack Small Obelisk
- Buy now from Arthur Jack & Co. (£545.00)
- Material: galvanised steel
- Dimensions: height 142cm (excluding legs of 30cm) x width 45cm
Arthur Jack obelisks are beautiful and sturdy, and a wonderful addition to any garden. They are made of thick, galvanised steel, and decorated with Arthur Jack & Co.'s trademark bolts and a finial at the top.
Wooden obelisk
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- Material: pine wood
- Dimensions: height 153cm x width 38cm
- Colour: sage green
A wooden obelisk is a garden classic, and would look equally good in a cottage garden, traditional country garden or contemporary space. This one is made of pine and is painted sage green.
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For alternative designs, visit our guide to the most beautiful supports for climbing plants, which includes trellises and arches.