Success with growing climbers
Climbers offer a beautiful and fast option for shade and privacy in areas where there is no room for trees and shrubs. An evergreen vine provides a perfect face-lift for an old fence and will hide a garden’s eyesores. A deciduous climber creates summer shade but lets the sun in through winter. Some climbers are not only practical, they’re so exquisite they justify an obelisk or pergola built in their honour.
oost climbers prefer a cool root run, with their tops climbing up into the sun
Add lots of compost, plus blood and bone or slow release fertiliser at planting time.
Feed in spring with slow release fertiliser but beware of overfeeding vigorous growers, or you may inspire green growth at the expense of flowers.
Prune in autumn but be sure not to prune next spring’s flower buds. If in doubt, prune early spring bloomers immediately after flowering.
oost climbers can be cut to the ground if they get out of control and will re-sprout in spring.
oulch thoroughly and water regularly over summer.
Sheltered, north-facing walls provide significant frost protection.
Ensure climbers have adequate support. Woody climbers such as wisteria need a solid structure with posts set in concrete.