Fastest growing climbing plants.

Discussion in 'Other Plants' started by K78, Sep 19, 2018.

  1. K78

    K78 Gardener

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    I’ve just built a 13m x 4m retaining wall with stepped sides. We will be creating sloped banks either side of the wall.

    I’ve been looking at various plants, burning bush, Virginia creeper and emerald spreader to name a few.

    I was hoping to get some suggestions for quick growing plants, that will cover the huge wall and banks.

    Thanks
     
  2. Redwing

    Redwing Wild Gardener

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  3. K78

    K78 Gardener

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    I’ll take one tomo.

    It was raining as I was leaving the site.
     
  4. mazambo

    mazambo Forever Learning

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    Hi K78
    I have virginia creeper (parthenoccissus Henryana) which is growing around my gazebo, it's pretty fast growing (4 plants which I will be cutting back and digging out when the time is right if anyone would like them) but i used to have boston ivy which i think is faster growing.
     

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    • clanless

      clanless Total Gardener

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      I'm impressed :biggrin:.

      Have you thought about whether you want an evergreen climber?

      Climbers don't keep on growing bigger - they do have a maximum height/spread - so look at this as well :thumbsup:.
       
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      • K78

        K78 Gardener

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        Virginia creeper is my fav so far. Red leaves look great.

        Thanks for the advice.

        Evergreen and low maintainence would be great.

        I’ve been looking at shrubs and grasses for the side banks and top of the wall.
         
      • Loki

        Loki Total Gardener

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        I like ivy. Evergreen low maintenance, flowers when it gets going and the birds love it :) I know many would disagree though :redface:
        Sounds like you're doing a big job there, best of luck :dbgrtmb:

        If you want really quick there's always Russian vine but it is certainly not low maintenance, i know you have a big area but I'm not sure if this plant ever stops growing :snorky:
         
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        • K78

          K78 Gardener

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          7DCF5661-31C3-4255-95FC-C5BC6E953D77.jpeg 05486B39-5201-4C54-836C-EB171F0E78CC.jpeg
          It’s all part of a self build project.

          If anyone ever needs a cost effective retaining wall. Concrete Lego is pretty much unbeatable.
           
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          • Loki

            Loki Total Gardener

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            That's some project! Hats off to you :dbgrtmb:
             
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            • K78

              K78 Gardener

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              Starting to make progress now. Thank god.

              I just read that September us the best time to plant grass. I’m tempted to sew the sides and top with seed and have a “telly tubby” wall.
               
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              • Loki

                Loki Total Gardener

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                Sounds fab, I love it! But think about how you would mow it :rolleyespink: You could go for a wild flower look but you are right, now is the time to sow seed or lay turf.
                 
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                • K78

                  K78 Gardener

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                  It’s been a while, but I plan to landscape the sides of the wall and plant them tomorrow.

                  The soil has been stacked at the sides and on top for a few months.

                  I’ve already planted some privets along the bank that has been created on top of the wall to help stabilise the boundary fence.

                  I’ve gone for ivy instead of Virginia creeper to cover the wall as it’s ever green. I’m hoping it grows quick.

                  My initial idea to grass seed the banks is not a good idea as mentioned. It’s too steep to maintain.

                  I was thinking of ferns, but I’m going to have a stack of those on my boundary near the wall.

                  I want some plants/shrubs/trees to add a bit of structure. Open to wild flowers too. It will be quite a shaded area when the house is built.

                  I went to my local plant nursery yesterday. It’s was great but staff were busy and I was totally lost.
                  Too many plants and I didn’t know what was what. Almost overwhelming.

                  Suggestions would be appreciated. Think I’ll order online this time
                   
                • K78

                  K78 Gardener

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                  I know they are slow growing. But I want a few tree ferns on the bank.

                  Any good sources for larger ones?
                   
                • Verdun

                  Verdun Passionate gardener

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                  Plants for structure K78......consider hollies. Some fantastic varieties like Golden King, Handsworth New Silver, J C Van Toll. Easy, reliable and attractive. Mahonia, berberis Darwinii, griselinia, eleagnus are all evergreen and add structure:)
                   
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