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Climber to cover shed wall

Mickspark81Mickspark81 Posts: 54
in Plants
Hi again Right... So i have a brick shed that i want covering in "planty" goodness It's an east facing wall and gets full sun from sunrise until about 1ish pm (based on today's observations). I'm sure that will alter with seasons. I'm looking for an evergreen which will climb up the masonry using those little root hair thingies (havnt got the lingo down yet). I need it to be fairly vigorous but also controllable to some degree. Im a novice (but quick learner) and was wondering if id need a trellis to get plant started or will it just climb up wall? I would like the plant to have nice flowers if poss and i have 2 dogs so nothing lethal lol



Not really feeling ivy but dont know enough about it to become a "hater"



Thanks in advance Mick
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  • bekkie hughesbekkie hughes Posts: 5,294
    Why not establish an ivy then add something else for colour etc?



    There are lots of different ivy types, they are at their best once mature when they flower, also very good for wildlife image



    What flowers have you seen that you like?



    Are your dogs likely to eat the plants, or have they grown out of that now? image
  • Victoria SpongeVictoria Sponge Posts: 3,502

    I was going to suggest a climbing hydrangea but they are poisonous to dogs, cats and horses according to something I just read.

    I bought a deciduous one over winter and it is just starting to stick to the wall but there is definitely an evergreen one.

    I think ivy is poisonous also.image

    Wearside, England.
  • Mickspark81Mickspark81 Posts: 54
    Hey bekkie



    I have 2 King Charles cavaliers and one of them is fine but the younger one (6 months) tends to eat whatever he can (including all the lower apples of my tree) lol.



    What would i need to start ivy off and would it cover the wall (mostly) by end of next summer?



    As for flowers...nothing in particular



    Once again im sure i have plenty more questions



    Ty
  • bekkie hughesbekkie hughes Posts: 5,294
    It is Vic, but so many things are, im a bit stummped after ivy and hydrangea for plants that are self climbing image
  • bekkie hughesbekkie hughes Posts: 5,294
    It sounds like whatever you get, it will have to be protected from the dog! Even if its edible image



    I think for your biggest choice you will have to consider a structure of some sort,even wires will work image
  • bekkie hughesbekkie hughes Posts: 5,294
    You are so impatient! image



    I wonder if trachelospurmum jasminoides would grow there? Tropealoum speciocium is nice too, but you will need wires! image



    Scuse spelling- not my strong point! image
  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053

    Most of the evergreen climbers need something to cling to, apart from ivy. Another deciduous self clinger is Virginia creeper. However no climber will cover the shed in a year! The mile-a minute vine might give it a go but  I think it is deciduous.  If you can put some wires up, there are a few evergreen honeysuckles and clematis that you could  use but they will take a few years to make progress.

    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • Mickspark81Mickspark81 Posts: 54
    Just at the zoo so I'll keep checking back when poss.



    I actually love honeysuckle and i would put up a support or mesh if needed



    Yeah I'm quite impatient but its good when it comes to actually doing stuff lol



    I'll try to be more relaxed. image
  • bekkie hughesbekkie hughes Posts: 5,294
    Hmm, thinking caps on peeps! image
  • bekkie hughesbekkie hughes Posts: 5,294
    I adore honeysuckle too, the only thing is they are prone to mildew and can be quite ugly because of it, i grow mine through V.creeper to hide the scabby leaves, it works really well for me, you could do the same through ivy or the climbing hydrangea that Vic suggested, that really is a pretty plant, im sure a bit of chicken wire would keep doggy off til it grows out of the chewy phase! image



    The next thing you need to consider is what honeysuckle??? There are loads, i have one which has tiny cream flowers but the most powerful scent. I think that decision will keep you busy for a while! image



    Enjoy the zoo image
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