CLIMBERS
CLIMBERS
Climbers are plants that grow up vertical spaces or trail down over just about anything, including brick walls, buildings, stakes, tree trunks and trellis panels. They create a spectacular show with little maintenance and are particularly useful in small spaces. There are climbers for every situation – flowering/non flowering, evergreen/deciduous, wet/dry conditions, or fast/slow growing.
Provides a screen for privacy or to hide the compost bin.
Soften/cover a fence/courtyard/side of house.
Scramble over pergola for summer shade.
Use shade loving variety to green-up/brighten dark corners.
Use scented climbers at entranceway or by deck to bring fragrance into house.
How they Grow:
Twiners - have stem tendrils coiling around anything nearby eg Clematis
Clingers - develop strong roots on stems in contact with vertical surfaces so need no support eg Ivy.
Winders - coil stems around garden stakes, trees etc in one direction eg Honeysuckle.
Suckers - their stem tendrils have sticky pads on the ends which are difficult to remove eg Ivy.
Ramblers - use their thorns to scramble up a support, but need extra tying/training eg Rambling Rose.
Planting Climbers and Care:
Erect a trellis in desired location. It should be at least 300mm away from wall. Horizontal wires also work well. (Space 400mm apart securing at 2m intervals with vine eye screws. Ensure climber is suited to its conditions eg sun/shade, dry/damp? Note which direction the wall/fence faces.
Dig hole 10mm deeper and twice the width of the rootball. Remove from pot and loosen roots.
Place plant in hole and backfill with soil, firming down gently. Water well while plant is establishing and tie to trellis if stems long enough. Use plant clips to secure stems to stake.
As climber grows train plant in desired direction.
Feed flowering varieties with potash but don’t overfeed or it can result in poor bloom display but vigorous foliage.
Examples of climbers seasonally stocked:
Clematis – Flowering, deciduous, scented, shade lover, many colours options
Mandevilla – Trumpet flowers in shades of pink, red or white, scented
Passionfruit - Flowers in summer with added bonus of fruit in autumn
Bougainvillea - Flowers from spring to autumn and ideal to hide fences. A good container plant
Wisteria - Needs a frame to hang over but makes a magnificent spring display
Banksia Rose - Thornless climbing rose with yellow double flowers in spring
Virginia Creeper - Deciduous, green in summer with beautiful orange autumn tones
Jasmine – Evergreen with fragrant white flower spring/summer