Can softwood cuttings of ivy grow on vertical walls with 1" clay/cow manure plaster?

Oops I forgot to answer your question Pete, I'm in Hertfordshire.

No go on the Virginia Creeper if it's deciduous, i'll google for evergreen climbers, what's your favorite ?

Some thing which grows fast would be ideal.

 

Strangler fig :D

 

I was hoping you was going to say the west coast of Ireland, somewhere a bit damp all year.:D

You know I cant think of a good climber that would create what you want to achieve, as climbers are just that, roots in the ground and climbing stems but with aerial roots that mainly just attach the plant .

What you actually need is some kind of rock plant that perhaps grows on cliffs and can take drought, but trails downward.

Not well up on them myself but I think Ziggys strangler fig would work for one summer only.:D
Get into a tropical situation and I'm sure there are many.

 

Thanks Ziggy, all the images I get fr the Strangler Fig don't look very leafy, it looks like an alarming alien creature... =/

 

Thanks for the warning Marley ! I've read that Ivy grows in proportion to it's roots, so if it's growing in an inch of plaster it shouldn't get too large, also if it's growing in a trough / pots I think I can keep it under control.

I would like some thing which can cover the house as soon as it's built, as well as waiting for climbers out of pots / trough, evergreen hardy and fasting growing suggestions for none Ivy from the trough/pots are appreciated

The Ivy will likely be the most common type, though not sure yet, wanted to confirm the idea was viable first.

I'll have a look around the net for a " rock plant that perhaps grows on cliffs and can take drought, but trails downward", which I can some how plant in one or several inches of plaster.

 

Only joking there Mike, have a google on Hottentot fig though, only ever seen one growing on the tip of the lizard peninsular in this country, think they come from South Africa originally

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpobrotus_edulis

A good thing then Marley, just looked it up, too invasive, best not go there.

 

I doubt hottentot fig would be hardy enough Ziggy, it grows at places around the kent coast, but has always turned to mush for me even in our milder winters.

Although you have brought to mind Delosperma cooperi, which is pretty hardy and can trail at least 3 ft