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Clematis & Silver Birch

Guernsey Donkey2Guernsey Donkey2 Posts: 6,713
in Plants
We have been planting two new silver birch tree saplings this year - one approx 7 ft, the other taller approx 9ft. My question is, are they suitable for clematis to climb up bearing in mind that the tree trunks are still very slender? The picture shows the taller tree prior to being planted into the garden border.

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  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995
    Depends on what type of clematis.. a slow growing (less thuggish) type would be okay.  You might need to do some selective pruning during the summer to keep it in check.  
    Utah, USA.
  • turmericturmeric Posts: 830
    Completely agree.  I have a little group 3 clematis on some trellis, it grows to about 4ft each year, very delicate and then I cut him back to the ground in late Winter to start again.  I'm more concerned that you've put a silver birch in a pot.  Aren't they going to get too large for the pot and the position?
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    If you check the OP you'll see that the photo was taken prior to it being planted in the border  :)

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • turmericturmeric Posts: 830
    Sorry Dove and sorry Guernsey Donkey2.
  • Guernsey Donkey2Guernsey Donkey2 Posts: 6,713
    Yes well the picture is misleading, but never mind - the advice was relevant to my question - in fact we will be planting the second tree (pictured) this weekend if the weather is suitable. In the meantime I will check out the names of the various clematis that I am growing that will be ready to be planted out this year - from memory I have Guernsey Cream and Jingle Bells, also a Montana .....  which I know will be too vigorous to grow with the trees, in fact I am not sure where I will be planting that one!
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I don't think you can successfully plant a clematis close to the roots of a tree like birch, even if they go in together.  Birch have wide, shallow roots and will suck so much moisture and nutrients out of the soil that the clematis will always be fighting to get what it needs.   Birch branches are twiggy and brittle, in my experience, when young and wouldn't be a good support for clematis seeking the light at their ends.

    Better to go for a sturdier, slower growing tree and plant well away from the trunk then guide the clematis up to lower branches so it can then clamber and cling as it sees fit.
    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)."
    Plato
  • Joyce GoldenlilyJoyce Goldenlily Posts: 2,933
    The other thing to bear in mind perhaps is that silver birch are not long lived trees.
  • AsarumAsarum Posts: 661
    I would be very wary about planting a clematis to climb up a silver birch tree. They are very light weight trees, if you see what I mean.  Also if the birch has a silver trunk, you would cover it up!
    East Anglia
  • Guernsey Donkey2Guernsey Donkey2 Posts: 6,713
    You are right of course with your advice and now all my best laid plans have gone to pot!  I have 7 clematis with only two positions to plant them in now - I will have to rethink my planting plans.....any suggestions gratefully received.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Put them in the borders with their own obelisks to climb up.  Buy simple or ornate metal obelisks or wooden ones - see Geoff Hamilton's Cottage Garden book for instructions.  

    Build a pergola or arbour with tensioned wires or trellis between the posts and grow them up the posts and along the wires and cross bars.  GH did that too but maybe in the Paradise Garden series and book.
    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)."
    Plato
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