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Which flowering climbers would be suitable?

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  • #1

    Which flowering climbers would be suitable?

    My friend has just purchased a new (new build) place which is bordered by a not-too-pretty 1.2ish metre high wall all around the front and back gardens. I've been 'commissioned' to plant things to disguise the wall.

    My first thought was bamboo, but then realised this would be quite expensive and could potentially become a problem once established.

    I think the most economical solution would be to plant something that would colonise the wall over time, ideally something evergreen and flowering. Does anybody have any suggestions? Would clemetis be able to do this?

    Thanks!
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  • #2
    Clematis isn't evergreen, so would look very bare in the winter. How about some pyracantha (firethorn) - they have beautiful berries (red, orange or yellow according to variety) and can be trimmed so they grow close to the wall instead of spreading.

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    • #3
      I also had a wall that I wanted to cover, fortunately it was a double wall with a gap between. Last Sept I filled the gap with compost & bought a couple of packets of Aubretia, sprinkled them & just left them to it. I imagine it will take a few years to trail the full height but is hanging about 6" at the mo & looks lovely when in flower.
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      • #4
        I've got a Trachelospermum Jasminoides.

        Its evergreen and has beautiful, jasmine scented, white, star-like flowers in June/July (which is gorgeous on a warm summer evening). It is fairly slow growing though, and the tips can get frost damaged, so you can either fleece it, or do what I do, which is trim out the brown tips in April/May. It's habit is clematis like, but doesn't climb, so needs to be tied to support wires or a trellis.

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        • #5
          Thanks all for the suggestions.

          Do you think something that gives all-year interest like Virginia Creeper could be planted with Clematis for the flowers - would they strangle each other?

          What sort of spacing is recommended to allow for all-over coverage? Every meter, two meters?

          Thanks again!

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          • #6
            Virginia Creeper is self-clinging, and tends to grow flat against the wall, so won't need support. Clematis, however, will need support in the form of trellis or wires. However, I have just noticed that the wall you are proposing to disguise is only around 6 feet high. Virginia creeper will cover the entire side of a two storey house in a season, so may be a bit vigorous for your needs.
            Last edited by rustylady; 06-08-2010, 04:59 PM.

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            • #7
              I always mix my climbers, ddiogyn - so I put honeysuckle climbing up with clematis and roses - I'm greedy! What aspect is the wall as a lot of these climbers prefer a nice sunny position? Jasmines are worth a try too.
              If you are looking for an evergreen clematis there is one called clematis Armandii which has a lovely scent and is one of the spring flowerers - pink (there may even be a white one IIRC). The key to growing up a wall is to plant a little way away from the base so you don't get the roots in the rain shadow, and to train up something that can be lowered if you ever need to get to the wall for maintenance purposes.
              Whooops - now what are the dogs getting up to?

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              • #8
                If you want an evergreen then the dainty ivy "Goldheart" is hard to beat.
                It does not grow too quickly and its easier to manage than other thuggish
                ivys. Ivy provides a home for lots of wildlife to. It will grow in any aspect.
                There is also the evergreen winter flowering belearic clematis as another option.
                I have a variegated form of winter jasmine which is brilliant for providing
                all year interest. Lovely bright foliage in the spring/summer and happy yellow
                flowers all through the winter (even if it is snowing!!)
                The aspect of the walls is an important consideration. North facing is always
                the hardest but not impossible.
                The ground at base of a wall is always a difficult place to plant. So dry!
                Plant it at least a foot away to avoid this and add lots of compost plus
                fish, blood and bone to give a good start for the climbers long term home.

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