Cover up that old building with colourful climbing plants.

Climbing Plants

(an introduction)

Types of climber

The true climbing plants have evolved systems to hold themselves upright over the years, some examples of these plants are as follows:

• Climbing Roses and Brambles - use their thorns to gain extra hold.



• Sweet peas, Vines and Clematis - use their tendrils to coil around any support available.



• Honeysuckle and Runner beans - Twine there way around posts, canes etc



• Ivies and Virginia creeper - self clingers, using roots or sucker pads to hold onto any surface.

Some plants that are treated as climbers are no more than modified shrubs, these plants have been pruned and trained to cover a fence or screen.

While most true climber are deciduous, many of these modified shrubs are evergreen and provide extra cover and interest throughout the winter period.

Climbing plants have a place in almost every garden. Even the smallest garden will have room for Planting Climbers like one Sweet Pea, Rambling rose or Jasmine.

Useful Climbers are plants rarely given the attention that they need, but if they are to give their best, then they should be planted by selecting a position that is best for that particular Climber.

Time should be spent enriching the compost in which the plants are expected to grow, for this will support the growth of the climber for years to come. Pruning Climbers and Aftercare should be carried out as and when necessary.

Nearly all creepers will do better if the air can circulate freely around their stems and shoots, having said that the plants should be kept away from cold draughts from the north or easterly prevailing winds.

Most plants will do well growing up trellis work, though some of the more tender will prefer the added shelter and warmth that a wall will allow. However some climbing plants will be scorched by the heat directed back at the plant if placed on a south facing wall.

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