Climbing Plants And Wall Shrubs

Question 1

Climbing plants definition

Answer 1

Grow towards the light (usually upwards) by using other objects .
Attach themselves by tendrils, twining stems, leaf stalks, aerial roots, hooked prickles.
Those with aerial roots, tendrils, or adhesive pads are said to be self clinging.
Those with other means of climbing require support.
In natural habitat most would grow up other woody plants.
Most are woody perennials but a few (e.g. sweet peas) are annuals.

Question 2

Benefits of climbers

Answer 2

Provide height
Cover unsightly walls or objects
Make efficient use of ground space in small gardens.
Many produce colourful flowers and a large proportion are scented. Some produce good autumn colour.

Question 3

Preferred conditions

Answer 3

Sunny with roots in the shade.
Shade can be provided by underplanting.
Some happily tolerate shade

Question 4

Wall shrubs

Answer 4

Trained against a wall with specific pruning techniques, often because it is the best way of displaying their ornamental features e.g. berries of pyracantha.
Do not naturally climb and if left alone will bush out and grow like shrubs.

Question 5

Support

Answer 5

Self-clinging do not need support when grown against walls and fences, but masonry and pointing that is in poor condition can be further damaged by aerial roots.
Suitable support for others are trellis (metal, wooden or plastic) or strained wires.
Pergolas, arches and obelisks are specially constructed to grow climbing plants.

Question 6

Strained wires

Answer 6

Vine eyeys can be attached to walls by either nailing into the mortar or screwing into a plastics rawplug.
Galvanised or plastic coated wire can be run through the vine eye and strained tight.
Wires may be tightened by had or using a tightening device.
Wires are normally attached horizontally at 45cm spacings and should stand proud of the wall to allow good airflow and room for plant growth.

Question 7

Soil preparation

Answer 7

Dig over and ensure it is weed free and incorporate bulky organic matter.
Incorporate slow release fertiliser at a rate of 50-85g per m square.
When planting near a wall check with pH of the soil which may have been raised by lime in the mortar.

Question 8

Planting

Answer 8

When planting near a wall check with pH of the soil which may have been raised by lime in the mortar.
Should plant at least 45cm from foot of a wall as guttering can create a rain shadow.
Planting hole should be twice the diameter of the container to allow roots space to spread.
Clematis should be planted 5cm lower than the soil and grafted plants 6cm deeper.
Container plants should be carefully removed ensuring compost is moist. Support the plant as it slides out and trim back any dead, damaged or protruding roots.
For bare root plants spread the roots evenly.
Backfill and firm plant ininsert canes at the base of the plant and secure to the support.
Fan out main shoots and tie to the supports
Remove dead or damaged growth and cut back wayward shoots.
Water and mulch to a radius of 60cm

Question 9

Routine maintenance of climbers

Answer 9

Feed in spring during first 2 seasons with a dressing of 50-85g of balanced fertiliser. Thereafter apply a slow realise annually.
Water weekly during dry periods.
Mulch around root area.
Dead head if needed.
Tie new shoots in to support
Prune if required

Question 10

Routine maintenance of wall shrubs

Answer 10

During first season train in leader and main laterals to form a framework.
Prune back any outward growing laterals to encourage short side shoots to develop close to the framework.
Remove completely any laterals growing towards the wall or outwards in wrong direction.
In later seasons prune back laterals growing in wrong directio , dead, diseased or damaged growth, and cut back flowered shoots to promote dense growth (except where shrubs are grown for fruits or berries).
Check for pests and disease