Clematis would be the ideal choice, but the base of the tree and possibly surrounding soil may be quite dry due to the tree. But if you are adventurous and willing to give it a go, and I would as what the book says does not always apply for everyone.
I recommend Clematis Cirrhosa. There are many varieties. A strong plant that if given a good start, will reward you with lovely nodding bell shaped blooms that are often speckled on the insides giving the plant a really nice contrast seen from far as well as up close. It may be evergreen in certain climates. If not on the trunk, a worthy Clematis against your many boundary walls. Flowering can start as early as January-February, and there should be seedheads later to give extended interest.
I will have to see if I can find one, as the selection of Clematis here is dreadful. I was reading about Cirrhosas last night, they look lovely. I am fighting a loosing battle to keep my montana on my side of the wall, as I had one before and unwittingly let if grow upwards and the result was my neighbour behind me had a beautiful wall of white flowers on her side, and I only had a few, lesson learnt!
Clematis Montana are very vigorous. The key thing is to always prune it yearly and especially in the early years, train it to not go upwards straight away. I think Cirrhosa is worth a try, but you will need to really put a lot of effort in the planting stage to keep it going.
Posts
I googled Tropaeolum Speciosum, lovely plant, but I was thinking of a winter flowering clematis, as the tree looks so stark when it's bare.
Clematis would be the ideal choice, but the base of the tree and possibly surrounding soil may be quite dry due to the tree. But if you are adventurous and willing to give it a go, and I would as what the book says does not always apply for everyone.
I recommend Clematis Cirrhosa. There are many varieties. A strong plant that if given a good start, will reward you with lovely nodding bell shaped blooms that are often speckled on the insides giving the plant a really nice contrast seen from far as well as up close. It may be evergreen in certain climates. If not on the trunk, a worthy Clematis against your many boundary walls. Flowering can start as early as January-February, and there should be seedheads later to give extended interest.
I will have to see if I can find one, as the selection of Clematis here is dreadful. I was reading about Cirrhosas last night, they look lovely. I am fighting a loosing battle to keep my montana on my side of the wall, as I had one before and unwittingly let if grow upwards and the result was my neighbour behind me had a beautiful wall of white flowers on her side, and I only had a few, lesson learnt!
Clematis Montana are very vigorous. The key thing is to always prune it yearly and especially in the early years, train it to not go upwards straight away. I think Cirrhosa is worth a try, but you will need to really put a lot of effort in the planting stage to keep it going.