Ideas for bare back wall climber
Discussion
I'm under pressure from Mrs E to add a bit of 'something' to the back wall of the house. It's a relatively new build and it just looks a bit....bland.
It's directly south facing but we're on a ridge so it gets really quite windy at times. I fancy getting a large planter and putting up some tensioned wire trellis for a climber. We've had clematis (don't know which, but had large flowers) in the back in tubs with trellis supports previously and they've really struggled with the wind.
Anyway, any idea's for a relatively easy to source hardy climber that would do well in a sunny but windy location. I'm not up for growing from scratch...would much prefer to head to the garden centre and replant something.
Thanks
It's directly south facing but we're on a ridge so it gets really quite windy at times. I fancy getting a large planter and putting up some tensioned wire trellis for a climber. We've had clematis (don't know which, but had large flowers) in the back in tubs with trellis supports previously and they've really struggled with the wind.
Anyway, any idea's for a relatively easy to source hardy climber that would do well in a sunny but windy location. I'm not up for growing from scratch...would much prefer to head to the garden centre and replant something.
Thanks
Doofus said:
Simpo Two said:
Variegated ivy is evergreen, grows fast and will cling on in a gale, no trellis needed.
You'll be forever cutting it back when it covers your windows.
And if you ever decide to get rid of it, it will have scarred the brickwork.
OP - do you want evergreen or deciduous?
Virginia Creeper is invasive iirc.
Depends how big you want it to get and do you want it evergreen, and then what level of sun, and how big a pot you can fit in (clue - as large as possible).
Given its a bit exposed it does make it harder. Roses can be hard as nails given the right one eg large climber. Flowers in summer. Needs a decent pot and feeding.
I suspect it might not like the wind but if low sun Clinbing hydrangea.
Clematis Montana is also very hardy and will like sun. Will need to be kept damp at roots generally.
Espalier apple is a good suggestion as made above. Crab apple is a potential if you just want it for ornamental value. You can also espalier things like hornbeam.
Pyracantha or firethorn also very hardy, good for wildlife. But clue is in the name it’s spiky so prune with gloves and consider if that works for the placement.
Wisteria could also work although they prefer not being in a pot. IIRC Chinese type as it’s vigerous. Will need a prune twice a year once well away.
For speed nothing beats an annual climber. Too late in the season now for this year but they will fly away next. Obviously not hardy so you’re doing it again next year but something to consider. Very cheap sown from seed.
Star Jasmine can also work but think it’ll dislike the wind. Worth checking.
Hope one of those might work for you
Depends how big you want it to get and do you want it evergreen, and then what level of sun, and how big a pot you can fit in (clue - as large as possible).
Given its a bit exposed it does make it harder. Roses can be hard as nails given the right one eg large climber. Flowers in summer. Needs a decent pot and feeding.
I suspect it might not like the wind but if low sun Clinbing hydrangea.
Clematis Montana is also very hardy and will like sun. Will need to be kept damp at roots generally.
Espalier apple is a good suggestion as made above. Crab apple is a potential if you just want it for ornamental value. You can also espalier things like hornbeam.
Pyracantha or firethorn also very hardy, good for wildlife. But clue is in the name it’s spiky so prune with gloves and consider if that works for the placement.
Wisteria could also work although they prefer not being in a pot. IIRC Chinese type as it’s vigerous. Will need a prune twice a year once well away.
For speed nothing beats an annual climber. Too late in the season now for this year but they will fly away next. Obviously not hardy so you’re doing it again next year but something to consider. Very cheap sown from seed.
Star Jasmine can also work but think it’ll dislike the wind. Worth checking.
Hope one of those might work for you
Thanks for the suggestions, folks.
We don't want something covering the entire wall. Initially I was thinking something like a clematis or wisteria that will train up a wire trellis, but it needs to be able to cope with wind.
We've had ivy at other houses...christ, never again. That stuff is just relentless.
Would prefer evergreen, or at least keeps something all year round. Got to admit, I'm tempted with the fruit suggestions. Something like espalier or fan trained - anyone know if I could train one grown in a planter?
We don't want something covering the entire wall. Initially I was thinking something like a clematis or wisteria that will train up a wire trellis, but it needs to be able to cope with wind.
We've had ivy at other houses...christ, never again. That stuff is just relentless.
Would prefer evergreen, or at least keeps something all year round. Got to admit, I'm tempted with the fruit suggestions. Something like espalier or fan trained - anyone know if I could train one grown in a planter?
Dr Mike Oxgreen said:
I would strongly caution against wisteria.
Once it gets established it is very, very vigorous and fast growing. You’ll have it invading the guttering and roof eaves before you know it, and it can do damage.
It can also take quite a few years before it decides to start flowering.
I think the most obvious thing is that whilst it can look fabulous, it needs maintenance to look fabulous. We don't know if the OP is a green-fingered wizard or wants a 'plant and forget' solution. Why a planter? Is this a car park?Once it gets established it is very, very vigorous and fast growing. You’ll have it invading the guttering and roof eaves before you know it, and it can do damage.
It can also take quite a few years before it decides to start flowering.
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