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Climber in a pot?

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  • ommthreeommthree Posts: 314
    SweetEyedFish says:
    ommthree says:

    After a couple of false starts, I've done ok with clematis, honeysuckle and passion flower in pots. The trick is big pots and loads of water!

    See original post

     

    How big is big? image

    I bought a Princess Diana clematis earlier today, albeit for somewhere else in the garden but I am keen to cover that monstrosity haha! 

    See original post

     Only about 45 cm diameter. Obviously they'd rather be in the ground, but they manage. I have clematis Miss Bateman and a late Dutch honeysuckle for example, both putting on a lovely show.

  • Clematis will have bare stems all winter, unless you go for Armandii which can be stunning and large and scented.  Depth of soil is the all important factor, which is why I suggested a trough running the width of your shed.You can then pop nasturtium seeds at the froint which would both trail over the edge and climb the lower part of the shed wall.

    Do let us know what you finally decide.

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    It's depth you need for clematis. If you want to make a raised bed along the trellis, that would be the best option for growing some climbers.

    Alternativley, could you remove some of those paviours and make that bed a bit bigger? It would be easier than buying a large container, or making something more suitable. The plants there look very crowded anyway, wihch is possibly why your honeysuckle isn't growing as well as it should. Too much competition for water and nutrients, especially with the cedar on the other side. 

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • I love this place! Nobody I know in real life seems to know much about gardening or they think they do and don't! image

    I dont think I could convince OH to remove the paving. 

    If I built a raised bed along the length would I need to line it etc ? I like the idea of underplantjng; that would look lovely. Just not sure if I can pull it off.

    The bed is crowded you're right. image I've since dug up the sprawling thing I *thought* was groundcover and potted it up to see what the devil it thinks it is. 

    Would it be wise to remove the honeysuckle to give the climbing hydrangea free reign? Then concentrate on growing a climber directly beneath the shed? 

    Oh, im all discombobulated image

  • Ok I've decided I want a clematis Montana to scramble up the bike garage and beyond up into the red cedar if it so wishes. 

    I'm g

  • Oops sorry!

    Im going to find a deep enough trough/similar and go from there. 

    Ill be sure to post a pic when I plant and then again when it starts to grow 

    Thanks to all 

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    Climbing hydrangeas get massive. They cover house walls. Have you got one of those and a honeysuckle in that same bed? Montanas too - they're perfect for covering sheds, garages etc, but you need to think ahead and consider the sizes of the climbers you plant. You can't keep pruning them into a smaller size and get the  right results from them. 

    Clematis need a good amount of water and decent soil - you need to consider that if you build a container of any kind, and anything else you plant will need to enjoy the same conditions. For instance, you can't plant something that likes really free draining, poor soil in the same area as a clematis. I wouldn't rush into a decision - take your time to research the plants.  image

    Re lining- yes I would - especially if the area doesn''t get lots of rain directly into it.  Raised beds dry out quicker. That tree will block a lot of wet stuff depending on the direction your weather comes in. You'll also need to use a soil based medium in it, and some rotted manure will also benefit any planting. Mulcing will also help to retain moisture. This is when knowing your own site and conditions influences your plant choices, and saves making expensive mistakes! 

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Nothing is set in stone yet. I like the idea of that trellis being covered with flowers but I'm not going to rush into anything. I've realised now the soil quality in that bed is not conducive to a healthy honeysuckle so I am digging in top soil which has manure mixed in. 

    I will use that top soil to fill containers and research which climbers to get. I don't think the Montana would need to be restricted as it could flow over the garage and up into the tree - without damaging the tree I think? 

    Alternatively, I could perhaps get two complementary clematis which arent as invasive. I want evergreen and lots I've seen so far are not. That's probably what was leaning me towards Montana as a) it's evergreen and b) fast growing. Kerria, although lovely looking, is deciduous and I really don't want to be brushing up leaves. 

    Re: the hydrangea, yes it's in the same bed as the honeysuckle. I have the same variety in my back yard between the two doors of my brick built shed. It seems happy enough to be contained between those and along the top of the shed, hiding the ugly roof with flowers in summer and glossy green leaves during winter. Some ivy joins the hydrangea in the back and it all seems to blend quite nicely after a few years. 

    I suppose ivy would also be another option. 

    Re: bamboo, I don't really fancy having that directly opposite my window as I'd rather have something a little prettier. 

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