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What to Grow on a Trellis

NaseemBanuNaseemBanu Posts: 72
in Plants

Hello. I have this trellis, which, as you can see is situated under an Arbutus tree. The aspect is actually South-West facing. So am I correct in saying that anything planted here will get dappled shade? 

I would be very grateful for advice on what to grow on this trellis. Something that is long flowering and will provide colour. I'm not particularly keen on any type of Clematis that needs a lot of care. So Group 3 Clems that can just be chopped down in the Spring are preferable. Alternatively a climbing rose might be nice. I'm just overwhelmed by the choice.

A climbing plant that won't go wild and climb into the Arbutus is desirable.  I had a Montana here and it produced very few flowers but grew like a triffid and choked the tree. 

The ground at this end of the border gets quite dry. I am aware the soil needs more organic matter and fresh compost. I am in the middle of sorting this out.



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Posts

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Nice tree.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    An easy, long flowering Clematis that might suit is C. Etoile Violette,  a type three.  I have one growing up a seven foot arch in light shade.  This year it flowered from May until late August, now losing its flowers.  You may need to face your trellis with some netting or a metal mesh of some sort to make it easier for the plant to attach its tendrils, enabling you to guide it and cover your desired area.  It’s the only Clematis I have grown successfully and has a tidy habit, without getting out of control.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • NaseemBanuNaseemBanu Posts: 72
    Plantminded, many thanks for taking the time to reply. I'll research the Etoile Violette. 
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    Another group 3 clematis that flowers over a long period and is easy is Kermesina. It's crimson.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    The later ones need a lot of water, and good soil, so that may not be ideal.
    The early , small flowered ones prefer drier conditions, and don't need rich soil either.
    Take a look at alpinas, koreanas, macropetalas  etc, on one of the specialist sites like Taylors or Thorncroft. That might suit better. They require very little care too as they're Group 1, but very different in habit from montanas. Just a trim if they get beyond the space you want, but most have a smaller spread anyway than the large flowered, later types. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • NaseemBanuNaseemBanu Posts: 72
    Fairygirl, many thanks for your reply. I will check out the ones you have identified.
  • NaseemBanuNaseemBanu Posts: 72
    Busy-Lizzie, thank you for your reply. Crimson would be lovely!
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    My type 3 Clematis is in sandy soil and rarely gets watered. I have added organic matter to my soil so that helps and I see that you are planning to do this @NaseemBanu.  I think it really depends on when you prefer to see the flowers, for how long and the colour.  The suppliers mentioned by @Fairygirl are good ones to look at.  I found their search facilities very useful for selecting the best options.  

    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    This may help you decide whether it's the right colour!



    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • NaseemBanuNaseemBanu Posts: 72
    Plantminded, thank you for sharing the photo. Your Clematis looks very beautiful. Yes, adding organic matter and improving the quality of the soil under that trellis is a big priority. The Arbutus takes up a lot of water hence the dry soil. The only thing that seems to thrive in that area is the hardy geranium in the Summer and Snowdrops, Primroses and Bluebells in the Spring. I just found really helpful info' about dry hot areas on the Thorncroft site. 
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