Ivy would seem to be the obvious choice. It clings to walls so you wouldn't have to put up any trellis. It tolerates a wide range of conditions and certainly won't mind the cold and damp. Does the wall belong to you? If it's part of someone else's building, it would be good manners to ask their consent.
Clematis, unless the wall is very high. They like their head in the sun and feet in the shade. Ivy is so boring, even the variegated sort. Good luck. Ian.
I love ivy, I have seven different ones in my garden. But I can see why it's not everyone's cup of tea. Keith, I'm still trying to save you the trouble and expense of erecting a support! Other self-clinging climbers are Boston ivy Parthenocissus tricuspidata and Virginia creeper P. quinquefolia. They're not evergreen but you get a great display of scarlet leaves in the autumn.
Don't know where you are based but if your winter temperatures don't drop below -8C, then Hydrangea Seemannii is a good choice for your aspect. Reasonably fast growing if given the right conditions. No need for training or trellis.
Lots of lovely variegated ivies in cream and gold with small or large leaves to vary the texture. It would provide habitat for small insects and other invertebrates and,when mature, nectar in late autumn for insects and then berries for birds. Great plant.
Just make sure the wall is in good condition and well pointed because ivy will find any weaknesses and expand cracks with its aerial roots and this allow in water and frost damage. It does no harm to sound walls.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Yes that's a high wall but I just thought of another one. Winter-flowering Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum). I had this on the north wall of my house in Wellingborough. Despite getting no sun at all in winter it flowered spectacularly with a shower of small yellow flowers without any leaves, If it had the scent of other jasmines it would be an absolute champion. It doesn't spread very quickly so you might think about two plants. Good-luck again. Ian
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Ivy would seem to be the obvious choice. It clings to walls so you wouldn't have to put up any trellis. It tolerates a wide range of conditions and certainly won't mind the cold and damp. Does the wall belong to you? If it's part of someone else's building, it would be good manners to ask their consent.
Clematis, unless the wall is very high. They like their head in the sun and feet in the shade. Ivy is so boring, even the variegated sort. Good luck. Ian.
Thank you Josusa 247 - the wall belongs to us so not a problem
Thank you Ian - the wall is 12 feet high and gets very little sun
I love ivy, I have seven different ones in my garden. But I can see why it's not everyone's cup of tea. Keith, I'm still trying to save you the trouble and expense of erecting a support! Other self-clinging climbers are Boston ivy Parthenocissus tricuspidata and Virginia creeper P. quinquefolia. They're not evergreen but you get a great display of scarlet leaves in the autumn.
Thanks josusa
I am OK with the principle of Ivy as I do need something which is self clinging and evergreen
Don't know where you are based but if your winter temperatures don't drop below -8C, then Hydrangea Seemannii is a good choice for your aspect. Reasonably fast growing if given the right conditions. No need for training or trellis.
Lots of lovely variegated ivies in cream and gold with small or large leaves to vary the texture. It would provide habitat for small insects and other invertebrates and,when mature, nectar in late autumn for insects and then berries for birds. Great plant.
Just make sure the wall is in good condition and well pointed because ivy will find any weaknesses and expand cracks with its aerial roots and this allow in water and frost damage. It does no harm to sound walls.
Thank you Borerline - based in West Lancashire England
Thank you Obelixx - wall is in good condition
Sulphur Heart is a particularly nice ivy.
You could always stick a Virginia Creeper in as well. They really are stunning in autumn if you get cool temps to get the colour change going
You'll have to do a bit of pruning to keep them tidy as they will just keep growing - especially if the soil's damp.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Yes that's a high wall but I just thought of another one. Winter-flowering Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum). I had this on the north wall of my house in Wellingborough. Despite getting no sun at all in winter it flowered spectacularly with a shower of small yellow flowers without any leaves, If it had the scent of other jasmines it would be an absolute champion. It doesn't spread very quickly so you might think about two plants. Good-luck again. Ian
Last edited: 12 August 2017 03:31:53