Training climbing hydrangea

Mr. Vine Eye · September 2018

Hello, is it possible to successfully grow a self clinging climber like Climbing Hydrangea or Ivy by tying them in to wires or mesh rather than allowing them to climb up a surface?

i ask because I have a north facing fence which is open to the sky, but receives no direct sunlight other than at midsummer, and about 20 - 60 minutes of late afternoon sun in spring/Autumn.

id like to grow something attractive along it, but I don't want the plant to be attached to the fence panels directly as they wont support the weight - and they're shared with neighbour.

I'd rather erect wires or mesh between the concrete posts.

unfortuantely I've been unable to find many climbers or wall shrubs that are suitable for shade - the ones that are, are also self clinging.

any advice much appreciated

Dovefromabove · September 2018

I don't think that Hydrangea petiolaris would be happy on mesh ... it'd make a bid for the fence to cling to.

Have a look at the Alpina group of Clematis ... I grow several of them very successfully on wires on a northfacing fence http://www.taylorsclematis.co.uk/Clematis-alpina/

Hope that helps

widgetwilk ann · September 2018

Love mine, it goes up the garage wall, have to keep it in check every so often, but no trouble.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/z1/94dbqy09uxx2.jpg

Fire · September 2018

CHs are pretty tenacious. I agree with Dove that you would have a battle trying to keep it off the fence. Could you put some heavy duty close cross trellis in front of the fence in the area where you want to plant?

Mr. Vine Eye · September 2018

Thanks for the responses. I suspected that it wouldn't be suitable.

i wanted to avoid having to put up posts and trellis etc. All additional costs and long term maintenance.

clematis sounds like a good option.

Training climbing hydrangea

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