Advice needed on climbing plants

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Auntpol, Dec 27, 2012.

  1. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

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    I think that is a good candidate for a long fence:

    "(c) a 20ft long fence (doesn't get much sun)"

    but I'm not sure whether Trachelospermum needs sun, or not ??
     
  2. longk

    longk Total Gardener

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    Just had a look at mine - should have new flowers on New Years Day!
    My first dalliance with it was the Tresco Hybrids which did not prove to be hardy. The true species is though. Never grown it in full shade, but it certainly tolerates fairly hefty shade.
     
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    • stephenprudence

      stephenprudence GC Weather Guru

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      I think most plants in the vine family can take shade, because many of these evergreen, flowering plants will clamber up trees in their native environment, and will often not see full sun. There are a few exceptions, but as a rule, anything that strangles the living daylight out of other plants (ie Jasmine) will be ok in shade. I would say Trachelospermum would need only a little sun.
       
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      • Madahhlia

        Madahhlia Total Gardener

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        It certainly is an evergreen climber but the jury is out on whether it's a beautiful evergreen climber.
        More like a ragged wreck of an evergreen climber IMO.
         
      • longk

        longk Total Gardener

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        By 'eck!!!
        To be fair, it's not the first time I've heard that said. However, for me (and my friends who have received my spares) it has never been less than rampant. Particularly useful if like me you have neighbours who like Clematis - I've set one loose on that on my side of the wall and so far it's a no contest!:hapydancsmil:
         
      • Madahhlia

        Madahhlia Total Gardener

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        Sorry, Longk. I shouldn't have insulted your plant! What I mean is, don't imagine a neat arrangement of impeccable evergreen foliage looking spick and span all winter, it's more of a pile of untidy, semi-evergreen wayward growth that needs support and trimming to make it look acceptable. These problems are not so apparent in summer when the leaves are lush and vigorous and are part of the whole garden scene but they do look more obvious in winter.
        Other evergreen climbers are subject to the same problems, too.
         
      • stephenprudence

        stephenprudence GC Weather Guru

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        Thats where good shelter comes in :blue thumb:
         
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        • longk

          longk Total Gardener

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          Just joshing with you!
          Some people do have that problem with it, but I've always grown it up against a wall or fence which could be why it thrives for me.
          As you say, leggyness is an inherent problem with a lot of rampant climbers. It can be used to good effect - here is a Jasmine arch that we've created in t'other halfs garden over about ten years....................
          [​IMG]
           
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          • Madahhlia

            Madahhlia Total Gardener

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            Yeah, jasmine forms fantastic "ropes" after 15 years or more growth. Mine has but is nowhere near as impressive as that one.
            I'm going to have to give mine a darn good prune as I can hardly see the shed it's on any more and I don't quite know where to start with it!
             
          • Madahhlia

            Madahhlia Total Gardener

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            I'm rubbish at that. It'll either have to grow or die in my garden - although it is a very sheltered city garden!
             
          • longk

            longk Total Gardener

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            It is rather rampant - this is it from the south side in full growth..................
            [​IMG]

            I used 12mm steel rod to form the initial support, although it is now self supporting.
             
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            • stephenprudence

              stephenprudence GC Weather Guru

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              Oh wow, i would never have thought Jasmine officinale could form that rope type structure.. that has jungle vine written all over it....!!! :hate-shocked:
               
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              • clueless1

                clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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                I'm out of my depth here, but can I just throw in a word of caution for Auntpol, one of the requirements was that the plants had to be non-toxic. I'm not sure that some of the otherwise excellent suggests tick that box.
                 
              • longk

                longk Total Gardener

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                To the best of my knowledge E.scaber is safe on that front.
                 
              • Auntpol

                Auntpol Gardener

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                Thanks everyone for the suggestions ... now researching them and taking notes
                 
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